1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1970 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 (137 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1970 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 76 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
