2009 Honda Element vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 289 kg more than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element, 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 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
