2001 Dodge Caravan vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2001 Dodge Caravan is newer by 40 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Caravan (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 1030 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.
Because 1961 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 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan, 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, 2001 Dodge Caravan (313 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Caravan | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2430 mm |
