1987 Buick Skylark vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1987 Buick Skylark is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Skylark weights approximately 344 kg more than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Buick Skylark, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Buick Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1987 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
