1996 Ford Mustang vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 184 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.
Because 1996 Ford Mustang 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Mustang | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 143 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1206 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |