1998 Ford Probe vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Probe weights approximately 24 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New 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 Ford Probe (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Probe | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
