1986 Ford Escort vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 21 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 50 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, 1986 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, 1986 Ford Escort (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
