2007 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 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 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 187 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | New Beetle | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 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 |
