1999 Toyota Prius vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 1999 Toyota Prius 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Prius (127 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Prius weights approximately 367 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (210 Nm) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Prius. (108 Nm). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Prius. 1999 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Toyota Prius | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
