1998 Ford Laser vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 44 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
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 Ford Laser (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laser | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
