1997 Ford Probe vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 126 kg more than 1997 Ford Probe.
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, both vehicles can yield 172 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Probe | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Probe | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
