1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 13 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 520 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.
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, 1981 Volvo 240 (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (103 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 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 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 240 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
