1970 Buick Riviera vs. 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1970 Buick Riviera is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Riviera (265 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1166 kg more than 1957 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, 1970 Buick Riviera (522 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1970 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2430 mm |
