2003 Fiat Panda vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 370 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
