1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 138 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
