2001 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2004 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 477 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Mustang 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 2004 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (427 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2004 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2004 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | New Beetle | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
