1979 Honda Prelude vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 Honda Prelude is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Prelude (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Honda Prelude weights approximately 20 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude, 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, 1979 Honda Prelude (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2430 mm |
