1972 Toyota Publica vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Toyota Publica is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Toyota Publica (38 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Toyota Publica should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 145 kg more than 1972 Toyota Publica.
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, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Toyota Publica | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Publica | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 790 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 62 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2430 mm |
