1990 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 516 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 834 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4100 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 | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
