1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1977 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 630 kg more than 1964 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1283 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 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 |
