2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.5 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
