1980 Buick Electra vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 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 10 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 290 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Buick Electra | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |