1998 Nissan President 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 Nissan President. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan President would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Nissan President is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan President (267 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan President should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan President weights approximately 616 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.
Because 1998 Nissan President 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 Nissan President. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 Nissan President (394 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan President will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan President | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | President | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1274 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2340 mm |
