1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 436 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1973 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 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 | 1690 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2430 mm |
