1989 Cadillac DeVille vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1989 Cadillac DeVille is newer by 27 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 4,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Cadillac DeVille is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Cadillac DeVille (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Cadillac DeVille should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Cadillac DeVille weights approximately 700 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.
Because 1962 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 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Cadillac DeVille, 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, 1989 Cadillac DeVille (326 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Cadillac DeVille will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1989 Cadillac DeVille 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. 1989 Cadillac DeVille will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Cadillac DeVille | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | DeVille | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4467 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2430 mm |
