1978 Buick Electra vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 585 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Electra 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 Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (166 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2680 mm |
