1988 Mazda 929 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda 929 (110 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (104 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 929 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Mazda 929 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 Mazda 929. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (175 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda 929. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda 929 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 929 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2537 mm |
