1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1976 Buick Riviera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 943 kg more than 1958 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Buick Riviera | 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1976 | 1958 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 6595 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 182 HP | 30 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 435 Nm | 77 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 822 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |