1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (177 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 625 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cutlass | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1962 |
| 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 | 177 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2430 mm |
