2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 185 kg more than 1962 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
