1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 110 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (103 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
