2003 Fiat Punto vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (71 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 240 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. 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, 2003 Fiat Punto (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Punto | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
