1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1976 Ford Fiesta is newer by 11 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, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 125 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1976 Ford Fiesta, 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
