1972 Volkswagen K 70 vs. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Volkswagen K 70 | 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | K 70 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2430 mm |
