2003 BMW 545 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 44 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 835 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.
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, 2003 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 545 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
