1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 770 kg more than 1962 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cutlass | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1285 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 | 380 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2430 mm |
