1976 Mazda RX-4 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda RX-4 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1961 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, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda RX-4 | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-4 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
