1981 Mercury Lynx vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1981 Mercury Lynx is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Lynx (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 130 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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 Mercury Lynx (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Lynx | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lynx | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
