2009 BMW 120 vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 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 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1972 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 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
