1984 Pontiac Phoenix vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Phoenix is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Phoenix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Pontiac Phoenix (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Phoenix should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Phoenix weights approximately 280 kg more than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Phoenix, 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 Phoenix (181 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Phoenix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Phoenix | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phoenix | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
