1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is newer by 17 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (108 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 785 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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. 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eighty-Eight | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2430 mm |
