2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 209 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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 Passat (326 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (235 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.3 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
