1996 Chrysler Viper vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1996 Chrysler Viper is newer by 23 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 346 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 750 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Chrysler Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 534 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chrysler Viper | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Viper | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2430 mm |
