1965 Pontiac Catalina vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1965 Pontiac Catalina is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 1039 kg more than 1963 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 539 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1965 Pontiac Catalina has automatic transmission and 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Pontiac Catalina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Pontiac Catalina | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catalina | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6891 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 625 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2430 mm |
