2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 785 kg more than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (231 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2430 mm |
