2003 Honda S2000 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Honda S2000 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda S2000 (240 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda S2000 weights approximately 81 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2003 Honda S2000 (220 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (150 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda S2000 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1286 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
