2008 Honda NSX vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle

To start off, 2008 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda NSX weights approximately 240 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New 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 Honda NSX (298 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 2008 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Honda NSX 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
Make Honda Volkswagen
Model NSX New Beetle
Year Released 2008 1999
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 3179 cc 1598 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 276 HP 100 HP
Engine RPM 7300 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 298 Nm 148 Nm
Torque RPM 5300 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78 mm 77.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1446 kg 1206 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 4090 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1180 mm 1520 mm
Wheelbase Size 2540 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 45 L