1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 14 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 745 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1283 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| 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 | 1585 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 |
