1986 Ford Escort vs. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 110 kg more than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 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 (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 40 L |
