1979 Buick Electra vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 451 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 1979 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 1979 Buick Electra. 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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Buick Electra | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1967 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1274 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2340 mm |