2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 58 kg more than 2006 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | New Beetle | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
