1971 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 7,725 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (345 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 1403 kg more than 1956 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, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (679 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 591 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fleetwood | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7725 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 679 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2223 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5810 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2410 mm |
