1988 Toyota Century vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
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 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,994 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Century (153 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Century weights approximately 569 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Toyota Century 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 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Toyota Century (289 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1988 Toyota Century 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 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Toyota Century | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3994 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
