1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 145 kg more than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascona | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 820 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 |
