2004 De Tomaso Guara vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 De Tomaso Guara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 De Tomaso Guara would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 De Tomaso Guara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 De Tomaso Guara (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 De Tomaso Guara should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 159 kg more than 2004 De Tomaso Guara.
Because 2004 De Tomaso Guara is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 De Tomaso Guara. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 De Tomaso Guara (414 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 De Tomaso Guara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2004 De Tomaso Guara has manual transmission. 2004 De Tomaso Guara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 De Tomaso Guara | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Guara | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2537 mm |
