1997 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 660 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, 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 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Lumina | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| 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 | 1510 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2430 mm |
