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Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 1.5 (53 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia:
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia are a family of three overlapping sports car models produced by Volkswagen, marketed in 2+2 coupe and 2+2 convertible body styles, though German production ended one year before that in Brazil. Internally designated the Type 14 , the Type 34 , and the Type 145 TC , the Karmann Ghia cars combined the floorpans and mechanicals of the Type 1 / Beetle or Type 3 'ponton' models with styling by Italy's Carrozzeria Ghia, and hand-built bodywork by German coachbuilding house Karmann....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Type 14 Overview:
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Type 14). Weighing only 870 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 132 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.5 (53 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A significant upgrade, the 53 Hp 1.5L engine provides a more usable power band, making highway driving more feasible and overall performance more engaging for a classic.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy increases to 8.6 l/100 km, which is a reasonable trade-off for the noticeable boost in power and improved drivability.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant styling that stands out
- • Reliable and simple air-cooled engine mechanics (Beetle-derived)
- • Strong collector's market and appreciation in value
- • Easy to maintain and find parts for (due to Beetle commonality)
- • Enjoyable driving experience for leisurely cruises
Cons:
- • Very modest performance by modern standards, even with larger engines
- • Lack of modern safety features (no airbags, ABS, etc.)
- • Limited interior space, especially for rear passengers
- • Can be prone to rust if not properly cared for
- • Original heating system can be inadequate in cold climates
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Type 14: March, 1960 - March, 1965).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Karmann Ghia |
| Generation: | Type 14 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 (53 Hp) |
| Start of production: | March, 1966 |
| End of production: | March, 1970 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 53 Hp @ 4200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 35.5 Hp/l |
| Engine displacement: | 1493 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | 180° flat V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83.06 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 69.09 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 132 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.4 kg/Hp, 60.9 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 870 |
| Max. weight: | 1200 |
| Max load: | 330 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4140 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1633 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1331 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1311 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1349 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.3 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
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