2003 Peugeot 407 vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Peugeot 407 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,944 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Peugeot 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Peugeot 407 (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Peugeot 407 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Peugeot 407 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2001 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 Peugeot 407 (290 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Peugeot 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2003 Peugeot 407 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Peugeot 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Peugeot 407 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 407 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2944 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
