2005 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 8 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima. 2003 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | New Beetle | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
