1996 Mitsubishi Pajero vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero (205 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 432 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer significantly more control. 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 Mitsubishi Pajero (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pajero | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
