1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 530 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Passat |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
