1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 15 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 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 235 kg more than 1981 Fiat 126. 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, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
