2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 46 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), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 596 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (78 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 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 | 1416 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
