2001 Honda Insight vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Insight would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 446 kg more than 2001 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Insight | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Insight | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
