2006 Nissan Altima vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (260 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 599 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 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Altima | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2430 mm |
