1979 Buick Century vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 138 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1979 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Buick Century | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Century | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 102 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 218 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1292 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |