2008 Citroen Xsara vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Citroen Xsara is newer by 5 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 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen Xsara (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 52 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, 2008 Citroen Xsara (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen Xsara | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xsara | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 14.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
