1999 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 182 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.
Because 1978 Buick Century 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 1978 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | New Beetle | Century |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
