1979 Isuzu 117 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 Isuzu 117 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 2,236 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Isuzu 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Isuzu 117 (72 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Isuzu 117 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Isuzu 117 weights approximately 295 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 Isuzu 117 (139 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Isuzu 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Isuzu 117 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Isuzu | Volkswagen |
| Model | 117 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2236 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2430 mm |
