1959 Ford Popular vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 135 kg more than 1959 Ford Popular. 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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Popular | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Popular | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2430 mm |
