2012 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4884 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1847 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
