2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 28 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | New Beetle | 6 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
