1956 Ford Consul vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Ford Consul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ford Consul (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ford Consul should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Consul weights approximately 269 kg more than 1962 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, 1956 Ford Consul (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Consul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Consul | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Consul | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 40 L |
