1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1966 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 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
