1996 Nissan Stagea vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Stagea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Stagea would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Stagea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Stagea. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Stagea.
Because 1996 Nissan Stagea 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 Stagea. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Stagea. (175 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Stagea. 1996 Nissan Stagea has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Nissan Stagea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Stagea | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stagea | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
