2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 838 kg more than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander, 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1963 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
