2009 BMW 120 vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia

To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1971 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.

Compare all specifications:

2009 BMW 120 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 120 Karmann-Ghia
Year Released 2009 1971
Engine Position Front Rear
Engine Size 1995 cc 1583 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 175 HP 49 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 350 Nm 108 Nm
Torque RPM 1750 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1385 kg 870 kg
Vehicle Length 4370 mm 4200 mm
Vehicle Width 1430 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1860 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2670 mm 2430 mm