2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 261 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Mustang 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
