2001 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 30 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | New Beetle | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
