2001 Peugeot 406 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Peugeot 406 would be higher. At 2,229 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2001 Peugeot 406. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2001 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2001 Peugeot 406 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2001 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2001 Peugeot 406 has manual transmission. 2001 Peugeot 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Peugeot 406 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 406 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2229 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
