1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 776 kg more than 1966 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1596 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
