2003 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 44 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
