1978 Buick Electra vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 965 kg more than 1966 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2430 mm |
