2004 BMW M3 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 729 kg more than 1956 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, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 42 L |
