2003 Renault Espace vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Renault Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Espace would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Espace (137 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Espace weights approximately 447 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Espace. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Espace.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Renault Espace | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Espace | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1761 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
