1978 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Escort weights approximately 5 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
