2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 335 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New 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 Ford Mustang (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
