1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser and 1998 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 216 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Chrysler PT Cruiser (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.4 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
