1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1978 Buick Century is newer by 23 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (140 HP) has 91 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 560 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.
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, 1978 Buick Century (250 Nm) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Century |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 94.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2760 mm |
