1978 Buick Century vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (140 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 70 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1978 Buick Century 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 1978 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen 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, 1978 Buick Century (250 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2537 mm |
