1983 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 90 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.
Because 1970 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 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Passat | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 43 HP |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2430 mm |
