1963 Buick Riviera vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1965 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. 1963 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Buick Riviera | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1963 | 1965 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1493 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 321 HP | 52 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 860 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2430 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |