1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Fiat 124 is newer by 3 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 124 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1969 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 124 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
