1981 Buick Electra vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 399 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will offer significantly more control. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (305 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2000 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
