2008 Ford E-150 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2008 Ford E-150 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford E-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. (180 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 236 kg more than 2008 Ford E-150.
Because 2008 Ford E-150 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 2008 Ford E-150. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2008 Ford E-150 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2008 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. 2008 Ford E-150 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford E-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford E-150 | 2001 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | E-150 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6030 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 55 L |
