1974 Buick Skylark vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1974 Buick Skylark is newer by 19 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 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Skylark weights approximately 865 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, 1974 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2410 mm |
