1980 Buick Electra vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 485 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 152 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 |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 45 L |
