1989 Jaguar XJR vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJR is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,996 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJR (318 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJR should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJR weights approximately 940 kg more than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. 1989 Jaguar XJR has automatic transmission and 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Jaguar XJR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJR | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJR | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5996 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 318 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2430 mm |
