1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 42 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1969 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 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, both vehicles can yield 102 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
