1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 23 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 600 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 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. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 164 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
