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 (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 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 266 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 (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 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 | 38 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
