2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 518 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 414 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (781 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLR McLaren | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 781 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 334 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.8 seconds | 12.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 20.9 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
