1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1976 Buick LeSabre. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 336 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1976 Buick LeSabre 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 1976 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1976 Buick LeSabre (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
