1974 Buick Skylark vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Buick Skylark is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Skylark weights approximately 785 kg more than 1961 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, 1974 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
