2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2001 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 827 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang.
Because 2001 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 2001 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (407 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2001 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | 2001 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Beetle | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
