2006 Honda Element vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 47 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), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 255 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, 2006 Honda Element, 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (78 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
