1997 Buick Century vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 680 kg more than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 40 L |
