1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 120 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascona | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
