1989 Nissan Prairie vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1989 Nissan Prairie is newer by 16 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 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Prairie is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Prairie (98 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Prairie should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Prairie weights approximately 320 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 1989 Nissan Prairie is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Prairie 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, 1989 Nissan Prairie (164 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Prairie will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1989 Nissan Prairie 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. 1989 Nissan Prairie will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Prairie | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prairie | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
