1998 Buick Signia vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 27 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 870 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, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1998 Buick Signia 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. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Signia | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2430 mm |
