2006 Smart Roadster vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart Roadster weights approximately 15 kg more than 1968 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart Roadster | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 40 L |
