1998 Ford Taurus vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1998 Ford Taurus is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Taurus (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Because 1955 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 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Taurus, 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, 1998 Ford Taurus (264 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1998 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Taurus | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
