1969 Buick GS vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1969 Buick GS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Buick GS weights approximately 890 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1969 Buick GS (395 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1969 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Buick GS | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | GS | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
