1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 543 kg more than 1970 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z3 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 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 | 1393 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2430 mm |
