1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 861 kg more than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera, 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 Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1997 | 1957 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 30 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 77 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2430 mm |