2009 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (169 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 383 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang.
Because 2009 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Ford Mustang (326 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1349 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
