1989 Saab 9000 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Saab 9000 (212 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Saab 9000 | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Saab | Volkswagen |
| Model | 9000 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2290 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
