1952 Buick 40 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1952 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Buick 40 (118 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Buick 40 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 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 1952 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1952 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1952 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1952 Buick 40 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | 40 | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1952 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4066 cc | 1422 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 292 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 75.6 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1260 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2510 mm |