1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 230 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
Model | Cutlass | Beetle |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2537 mm |