2003 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2010 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 543 kg more than 2003 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, 2010 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2010 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2010 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | New Beetle | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
