2002 Honda Life vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2002 Honda Life. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 340 kg more than 2002 Honda Life. 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (166 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Life. (93 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Life | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
