2008 Saturn Sky vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Saturn Sky is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Sky is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Sky (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 50 kg more than 2008 Saturn Sky.
Because 2008 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Saturn Sky (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Saturn Sky will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Sky | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sky | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
