1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 110 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
