1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 910 kg more than 1971 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
