2002 Porsche 996 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2002 Porsche 996 is newer by 43 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Porsche 996 weights approximately 535 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 2002 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Porsche 996 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 996 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
