2003 Honda S2000 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda S2000 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 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Honda S2000.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (250 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda S2000. (220 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda S2000 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1286 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
