1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 48 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1988 Ford Mustang 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 1988 Ford Mustang. 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, 1988 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Ford Mustang | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1206 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |