1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1995 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 150 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1995 Volkswagen Polo (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1995 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Polo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
