2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus weights approximately 260 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2000 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2430 mm |
