2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet SSR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet SSR would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 282 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
Because 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 2006 Chevrolet SSR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet SSR has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet SSR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | SSR | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
