1998 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2012 SsangYong Rodius
To start off, 2012 SsangYong Rodius is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,696 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 SsangYong Rodius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 SsangYong Rodius (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 SsangYong Rodius should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 SsangYong Rodius weights approximately 693 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 SsangYong Rodius 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 2012 SsangYong Rodius. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2012 SsangYong Rodius (340 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 SsangYong Rodius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 SsangYong Rodius has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 SsangYong Rodius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | 2012 SsangYong Rodius | |
| Make | Volkswagen | SsangYong |
| Model | Beetle | Rodius |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1899 cc | 2696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.7 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1923 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1920 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
