1996 Peugeot 406 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Peugeot 406 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (91 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Peugeot 406. (88 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Peugeot 406. (130 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Peugeot 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Peugeot 406 | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 406 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1618 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
