1988 Buick Electra vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 369 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2520 mm |
