2003 Vauxhall Meriva vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Vauxhall Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 405 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 1959 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 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva, 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 Vauxhall Meriva (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Vauxhall Meriva | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Meriva | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2430 mm |
