2006 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2006 Pontiac Solstice and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,501 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac Solstice (177 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Pontiac Solstice. (225 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac Solstice | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solstice | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2376 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
