1996 Dodge Intrepid vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Intrepid. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Intrepid would be higher. At 3,522 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Intrepid is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Intrepid (214 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 261 kg more than 2002 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, 1996 Dodge Intrepid (339 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Intrepid will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1996 Dodge Intrepid has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Dodge Intrepid will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Intrepid | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Intrepid | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3522 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 214 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5126 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
