1990 Rover 400 vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1990 Rover 400. (94 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 159 kg more than 1990 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Rover 400 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3010 mm |
