2007 Toyota Prius vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Toyota Prius is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Prius weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Toyota Prius. 2007 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Toyota Prius | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
