1982 Ford Escort vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1982 Ford Escort is newer by 17 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Escort weights approximately 120 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, 1982 Ford Escort, 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, 1982 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (92 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
