1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1989 Nissan Laurel 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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Laurel (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 300 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. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Nissan Laurel (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2430 mm |
