1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 32 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 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 392 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2012 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 (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Buick Electra | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | Beetle |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2537 mm |