1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ballade | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
