1983 Ford Laser vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1983 Ford Laser is newer by 18 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 40 kg more than 1983 Ford Laser.
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, 1983 Ford Laser, 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, 1983 Ford Laser (121 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (92 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Laser | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laser | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
