1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 141 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark.
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 Buick Skylark (217 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
