1971 Ford Escort vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 35 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. 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, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2430 mm |
