2005 Nissan Hardbody vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Nissan Hardbody 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 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Hardbody is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Hardbody (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Hardbody should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Hardbody weights approximately 539 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 Nissan Hardbody is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Hardbody will offer significantly more control. 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 Hardbody (278 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Hardbody will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2005 Nissan Hardbody has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Nissan Hardbody will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Hardbody | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Hardbody | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1831 kg | 1292 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 84 L | 55 L |
