1995 Nissan Serena vs. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 2,283 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Nissan Serena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Serena. (74 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1995 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Nissan Serena weights approximately 179 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1995 Nissan Serena is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1995 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Serena. (145 Nm). This means 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Nissan Serena | 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2283 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
