2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2010 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2010 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Taurus weights approximately 657 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, 2010 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2010 Ford Taurus 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. 2010 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2010 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | New Beetle | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1164 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
