1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 11 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 340 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.
Because 1973 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 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (204 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Grand Am | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1584 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 49 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |