2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 345 kg more than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
