1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 200 kg more than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
