2009 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 4,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota 4Runner (260 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 78 kg more than 2009 Toyota 4Runner.
Because 2009 Toyota 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Toyota 4Runner (416 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Toyota 4Runner has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota 4Runner | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4Runner | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4664 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 416 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
