1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 115 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
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 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
