1999 Panoz AIV vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 1999 Panoz AIV and 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (1999). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 94 kg more than 1999 Panoz AIV.
Because 1999 Panoz AIV 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 1999 Panoz AIV. 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, 1999 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Panoz AIV | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | AIV | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1274 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
