2008 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 28 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
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 (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (119 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 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 | 1240 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
