1972 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Honda Civic is newer by 1 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 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Honda Civic (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Honda Civic 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 192 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic.
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, 1972 Honda Civic, 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, 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
