2005 Nissan 350Z vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 264 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Nissan 350Z (354 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan 350Z | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 350Z | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.3 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
