1996 Honda Today vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Today. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Today would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1996 Honda Today. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Today. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1597 kg more than 1996 Honda Today. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda Today is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Today 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Today. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Today.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Today | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Today | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
