1972 Buick Skylark vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,722 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Skylark weights approximately 374 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1972 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Skylark | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5722 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
