2003 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 224 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2003 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2003 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Maxima | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |
