1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 374 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1973 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
