1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 485 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
Model | Ninety-Eight | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2324 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 225 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1270 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |