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Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 1.5 (53 Hp) Automatic
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 129 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) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While offering the same peak power as the manual 1.5L, the automatic transmission likely dulls acceleration and responsiveness, prioritizing ease of use over sportiness.
Fuel Economy
The automatic gearbox increases fuel consumption to 9 l/100 km, making it the least economical option in the lineup, a common trade-off for early automatics.
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) Automatic |
| 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: | 9 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 129 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 |
What’s the best feature of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia? Tell us in the comments!