1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick LeSabre (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 300 kg more than 2005 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 LeSabre 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 LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 LeSabre (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2590 mm |
