1977 Buick LeSabre vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,002 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1977 Buick LeSabre. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1977 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 455 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1977 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 1977 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1977 Buick LeSabre (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1977 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick LeSabre | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
