1971 Oldsmobile 442 vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 900 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. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (92 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 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. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | 442 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7467 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
