1968 Opel Diplomat vs. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Diplomat weights approximately 30 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. 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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. 1968 Opel Diplomat has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Microbus has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Opel Diplomat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Diplomat | 1997 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Diplomat | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 2551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2470 mm |
