1997 Toyota Carina vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Toyota Carina is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Carina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Carina weights approximately 275 kg more than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Toyota Carina (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Carina | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
