1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford Zodiac (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 372 kg more than 1964 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, 1959 Ford Zodiac (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2430 mm |
