1996 Nissan President vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan President. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan President would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Nissan President is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan President (267 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan President should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan President weights approximately 659 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Nissan President 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 Nissan President. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Nissan President (394 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan President will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1996 Nissan President has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Nissan President will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan President | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | President | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2510 mm |
