1996 Rover 800 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 Rover 800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 800 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 800 (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 800 weights approximately 95 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.
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, 1996 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1996 Rover 800 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 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 800 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 800 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2510 mm |
