1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 205 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.
Because 1966 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 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Passat |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
