1974 Honda Life vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Honda Life is newer by 9 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, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 330 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life, 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, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
