1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Volvo 343 is newer by 13 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 343 weights approximately 170 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, 1979 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 343 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
