2008 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1970 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2430 mm |
