2003 Opel Astra vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (75 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 510 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra, 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, 2003 Opel Astra (171 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
