1997 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
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 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm). This means 1997 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1997 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jaguar XK8 | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XK8 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
