2005 Ford Ranger vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger is newer by 2 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Ranger (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Ranger weights approximately 38 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 2005 Ford Ranger 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 2005 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2005 Ford Ranger (250 Nm) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ranger | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
