1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2011 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac CTS is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 908 kg more than 1974 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, 2011 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2011 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2011 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | CTS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2880 mm |
