1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1969 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volvo 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volvo 1800 (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volvo 1800 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Volvo 1800 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1972 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, 1969 Volvo 1800 (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Volvo 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1969 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2460 mm |
