2004 Honda Element vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 45 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Element (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 759 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 2004 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Element (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1599 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2430 mm |
