1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (53 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1969 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, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 43 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2430 mm |
