2005 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 4 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 75 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
