2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Because 1968 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 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 Volkswagen Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
