1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (248 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 930 kg more than 1955 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (502 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
Model | Cutlass | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1972 | 1955 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1584 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 248 HP | 49 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 502 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2430 mm |