1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick LeSabre 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 4 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 384 kg more than 1999 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 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, 1999 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 LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick LeSabre | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1206 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |