1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 600 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2750 mm |
