2002 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (137 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 337 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | New Beetle | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1422 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 907 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
