1998 Mazda Sentia vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda Sentia (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda Sentia should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 246 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mazda Sentia 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 Mazda Sentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New 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 Mazda Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1998 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda Sentia | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentia | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
