2003 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2011 Ford Kuga
To start off, 2011 Ford Kuga is newer by 8 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Kuga is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Kuga (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Kuga should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Kuga weights approximately 140 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.
Because 2011 Ford Kuga is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Kuga will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Ford Kuga (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Kuga will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2011 Ford Kuga | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | New Beetle | Kuga |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
