1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire is newer by 7 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 3,531 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire (215 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire weights approximately 437 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. 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire 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. 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetfire | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3531 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1297 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2430 mm |
