Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Buick Cascada

The Beetle has standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Cascada doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Beetle Coast/SE’s blind spot warning system uses digital cameras monitored by computer to alert the driver to moving objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Cascada doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing safer, the Beetle Coast/SE’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Cascada doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Beetle and the Cascada have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The Beetle comes with a full 6-year/72000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Cascada’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years and 22000 miles sooner.

The Beetle’s corrosion warranty is 4 years longer than the Cascada’s (10 vs. 6 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2017 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Buick vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Buick is ranked 13th.

As tested in Car and Driver the Volkswagen Beetle is faster than the Buick Cascada:

On the EPA test cycle the Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the Cascada (26 city/33 hwy vs. 21 city/29 hwy). The Beetle Dune gets better fuel mileage than the Cascada (26 city/34 hwy vs. 21 city/29 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Cascada requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Beetle higher (7 out of 10) than the Buick Cascada (5). This means the Beetle produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Cascada every 15,000 miles.

For superior ride and handling, the Volkswagen Beetle has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Cascada has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Beetle has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Beetle flat and controlled during cornering. The Cascada’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For better maneuverability, the Beetle’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the Cascada’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Volkswagen Beetle may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 950 pounds less than the Buick Cascada.

The Beetle is 1 foot, 4.5 inches shorter than the Cascada, making the Beetle easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Beetle Dune Convertible is quieter than the Cascada Premium (73 vs. 76 dB).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Beetle easier. The Beetle’s trunk lift-over height is 27.9 inches, while the Cascada’s liftover is 31.2 inches.

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the Beetle. The Cascada doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Keyless Access optional on the Beetle allows you to unlock the driver’s door and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Buick Cascada doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Beetle SE/Dune/Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Cascada doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Beetle’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation, which can trigger allergies or asthma. The Cascada doesn’t offer a filtration system.

The Volkswagen Beetle comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Buick Cascada isn’t available as a coupe.

Insurance will cost less for the Beetle owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Beetle will cost $1100 to $4440 less than the Cascada over a five-year period.

The Beetle will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Beetle will retain 43.41% to 74.04% of its original price after five years, while the Cascada only retains 37.5% to 38.32%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Beetle is less expensive to operate than the Cascada because it costs $333 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Beetle than the Cascada, including $100 less for a water pump, $174 less for an alternator, $87 less for front brake pads, $30 less for fuel injection and $419 less for front struts.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Beetle will be $9525 to $17835 less than for the Buick Cascada.

The Volkswagen Beetle outsold the Buick Cascada by almost three to one during 2017.