2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 kg more than 1955 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
