1978 Honda Accord vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Honda Accord is newer by 5 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 1,601 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Accord (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Honda Accord weights approximately 50 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, 1978 Honda Accord, 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, 1978 Honda Accord (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1601 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2430 mm |
