2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Frontier would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 82 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontier | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
