2008 Fiat Bravo vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Fiat Bravo 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Bravo. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Bravo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 120 kg more than 2008 Fiat Bravo. 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 (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Bravo. (128 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Bravo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Bravo | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bravo | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
