1989 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 395 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volkswagen Golf | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 3010 mm |
