2008 BMW 318 vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1962 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
