1999 Honda Insight vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Honda Insight would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1999 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 540 kg more than 1999 Honda Insight. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Insight | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Insight | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2537 mm |
