1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (150 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 19 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
