1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 GMC Suburban is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1412 kg more than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1966 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2430 mm |
