1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 24 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 525 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2430 mm |
