1998 BMW 318 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1961 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
