1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1970 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 Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2430 mm |
