1990 Buick Electra vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1990 Buick Electra is newer by 19 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Electra weights approximately 705 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.
Because 1971 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 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra, 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, 1990 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1990 Buick Electra 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. 1990 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick Electra | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2430 mm |
