1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette (119 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 419 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette. 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silhouette | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
