1974 Citroen CX vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia

To start off, 1974 Citroen CX is newer by 9 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen CX (95 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 700 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, 1974 Citroen CX, 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, 1974 Citroen CX (216 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.

Compare all specifications:

1974 Citroen CX 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
Make Citroen Volkswagen
Model CX Karmann-Ghia
Year Released 1974 1965
Engine Position Front Rear
Engine Size 2500 cc 1192 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 95 HP 34 HP
Engine RPM 3700 RPM 3600 RPM
Torque 216 Nm 84 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 21.0:1 7.3:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1520 kg 820 kg
Vehicle Length 4960 mm 4200 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1470 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 3100 mm 2430 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 40 L