1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 62 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. 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, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
