2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2003 Suzuki Jimny
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 Suzuki Jimny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Suzuki Jimny would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Jimny. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 205 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Jimny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Suzuki Jimny is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Suzuki Jimny will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Jimny. (106 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Jimny. 2003 Suzuki Jimny 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 Suzuki Jimny will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2003 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Suzuki |
| Model | New Beetle | Jimny |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1231 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2260 mm |
