2009 BMW M3 vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1968 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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
