2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Explorer weights approximately 144 kg more than 1958 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1958 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2430 mm |
