1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1978 Ford Cortina is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Cortina (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 290 kg more than 1956 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1978 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
