1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 25 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1971 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 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 845 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 |
