2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 290 kg more than 2001 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
