1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1205 kg more than 1955 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2410 mm |
