1951 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,523 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Buick LeSabre (335 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1951 Buick LeSabre 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 1951 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen 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, 1951 Buick LeSabre (517 Nm @ 3650 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1951 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 1951 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1951 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Buick LeSabre | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3523 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 517 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3650 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 151 L | 55 L |
