1990 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 564 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Golf | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 834 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
