1999 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 48 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
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 Oldsmobile Cutlass (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Oldsmobile |
| Model | New Beetle | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2640 mm |
