1997 Nissan Trailrunner vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Trailrunner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Trailrunner would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Trailrunner (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Trailrunner should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 70 kg more than 1997 Nissan Trailrunner.
Because 1997 Nissan Trailrunner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Trailrunner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Trailrunner. (200 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Trailrunner. 1997 Nissan Trailrunner 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. 1997 Nissan Trailrunner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Trailrunner | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trailrunner | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |
