2003 Isuzu Ascender vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Isuzu Ascender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Isuzu Ascender would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Isuzu Ascender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Isuzu Ascender (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Isuzu Ascender should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Isuzu Ascender weights approximately 837 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Isuzu Ascender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Isuzu Ascender will offer significantly more control. 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 Isuzu Ascender (374 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Isuzu Ascender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2003 Isuzu Ascender has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Isuzu Ascender will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Isuzu Ascender | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Isuzu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascender | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2170 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3280 mm | 2537 mm |
