1999 Honda Life vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Honda Life would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1999 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 590 kg more than 1999 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Life 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Life | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2537 mm |
