1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 850 kg more than 1960 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 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Firebird | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5747 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 77 Nm |
| 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 | 1670 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2430 mm |
