2003 Jeep Wrangler 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 Jeep Wrangler. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Jeep Wrangler would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Jeep Wrangler. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 177 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2003 Jeep Wrangler 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 Jeep Wrangler 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Jeep Wrangler. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Jeep Wrangler. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2003 Jeep Wrangler has manual transmission. 2003 Jeep Wrangler will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Jeep Wrangler | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Wrangler | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
