2006 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 1998 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Microbus would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 590 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Microbus 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 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | 1998 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg | Microbus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2250 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2470 mm |
