1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 1,899 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 30 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 (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sonata | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
