1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 362 kg more than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5734 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2510 mm |
