2001 Porsche 996 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Porsche 996 weights approximately 36 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Porsche 996 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 2001 Porsche 996. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Porsche 996 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 996 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 318 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
