1970 Buick Skylark vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Skylark (195 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 289 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Buick Skylark 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 1970 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1970 Buick Skylark (393 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Skylark | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1629 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2470 mm |
