1967 Riley Kestrel vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1967 Riley Kestrel is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1967 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 48 kg more than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 Riley Kestrel, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Riley Kestrel | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kestrel | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 888 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 40 L |
