2004 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 1 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 560 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
