1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Buick LeSabre is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick LeSabre (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 856 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
