1980 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 31 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra.
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, 2011 Volkswagen 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | Beetle |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 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 | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |