2003 Ford Ka vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 48 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 92 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2430 mm |
