1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 151 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 632 kg more than 1974 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 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2430 mm |
