2000 Acura RL vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Acura RL weights approximately 431 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, 2000 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2000 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2000 Acura RL 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. 2000 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Acura RL | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RL | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 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 | 1675 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
