2008 Mini Cooper vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 49 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 375 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, 2008 Mini Cooper, 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2430 mm |
