1995 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,475 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 306 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2475 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
