1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Buick LeSabre is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick LeSabre (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 770 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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 LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
