1950 Buick 40 vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,065 cc (8 cylinders), 1950 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1950 Buick 40. (114 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1950 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Buick 40 weights approximately 366 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1950 Buick 40 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 1950 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1950 Buick 40 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1950 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Buick 40 | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | 40 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4065 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1274 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2340 mm |
