1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 Dodge Mirada is newer by 6 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 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 860 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.
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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2430 mm |
