2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 20 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 89 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 138 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 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Oldsmobile |
| Model | New Beetle | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2640 mm |
