1978 Buick Estate 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 Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 517 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 Estate. 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 Estate (381 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (235 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Estate | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Estate | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1786 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 180 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 235 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 86 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1363 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |