1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 1090 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 1996 Buick Roadmaster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Volkswagen 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Roadmaster | Beetle |
Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1131 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 24 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Torque | 447 Nm | 77 Nm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |