1998 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 917 kg more than 1998 Ford Mustang.
Because 1998 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Mustang | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Beetle |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 143 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |