1996 Toyota Carina vs. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (82 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 96 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. 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 Toyota Carina (174 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
