1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 23 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 880 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (92 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 123 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
