1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 360 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Super 7 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |
