1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 284 kg more than 1970 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 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 121 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
