2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express is newer by 1 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 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (193 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 986 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.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Express 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 2009 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (260 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
