2006 Mazda Tribute vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda Tribute. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda Tribute would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Mazda Tribute. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda Tribute. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 204 kg more than 2006 Mazda Tribute. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda Tribute 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 Mazda Tribute. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda Tribute. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda Tribute. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda Tribute has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda Tribute will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda Tribute | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tribute | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2500 cc |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
