2000 Opel Speedster 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 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 262 kg more than 2000 Opel Speedster.
Because 2000 Opel Speedster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Opel Speedster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Opel Speedster | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Speedster | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1008 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
