2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (156 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 129 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (166 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (162 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
