1998 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 278 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 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1899 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
