2002 Honda S2000 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S2000 (238 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2002 Honda S2000 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 2002 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S2000 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
