2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (103 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | New Beetle | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
