1985 Buick Electra vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1985 Buick Electra is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Buick Electra (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick Electra weights approximately 660 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra, 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, 1985 Buick Electra (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick Electra | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |
