2005 Toyota MR2 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 162 kg more than 2005 Toyota MR2.
Because 2005 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen 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, both vehicles can yield 170 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2005 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 2005 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota MR2 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
