1984 GMC Suburban vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1984 GMC Suburban is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 GMC Suburban (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1404 kg more than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1984 GMC Suburban (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1984 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 GMC Suburban | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1962 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2244 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2430 mm |
