I purchased a 99 Beetle for my wife this past summer. When driving it for the first time last week, I noticed that the RPM's were pushing 2800 RPM's when driving @ 70 MPH. Is this normal. I drive a V-8 and haven't driven a 4 cylinder since high school.

 

Yep....... 4 cyl has to work harder than a V8.

 

Agree with smoking dog. This is correct, you should have about 3000rpm for 72mph. Average V8 is 2600rpm for 60mph without overdrive.

 

My Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 4X4 runs
2000 rpm at 70mph