2002 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 350 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
Model | New Beetle | Passat |
Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2324 cc | 2496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 225 Nm | 326 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |