1997 Lexus ES vs. 1998 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus ES. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus ES would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus ES (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus ES weights approximately 710 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Fusca is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lexus ES, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. (106 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. 1997 Lexus ES has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Fusca has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Fusca will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus ES | 1998 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | ES | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
