1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 605 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2720 mm |
