2012 Dodge Ram vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (391 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 561 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Dodge Ram (552 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Dodge Ram | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ram | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 391 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 552 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5820 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3560 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
