2002 Honda S2000 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S2000 (238 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 68 kg more than 2002 Honda S2000.
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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
