1990 Mazda 626 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda 626 (116 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda 626 weights approximately 74 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 1990 Mazda 626 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 626 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 626. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 626 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 626 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
