Car comparison

Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2vsVolkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C)

RSI 3.2

224 hp3189 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedHatchback2000-2001
VS

Volkswagen Golf III

2.9 VR6 Syncro

190 hp2861 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedHatchback1994-1997

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

  • Lightest
    1,410 kg
    3,109 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.5 L/100 km
    22.4 mpg US
    26.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    11.8 L/100 km
    19.9 mpg US
    23.9 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    619 km
    385 mi
  • Largest trunk
    230 L
  • Best overall score
    54/100
  • Best economy score
    79/100
  • Best practicality score
    62/100

Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.7 s
  • Fastest top speed
    225 km/h
    140 mph
  • Most powerful
    224 hp
    167 kW
  • Highest torque
    320 Nm
    236 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    148 hp/t
    110 kW/t
    6.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest highway consumption
    9.2 L/100 km
    25.6 mpg US
    30.7 mpg UK
  • Best performance score
    53/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelVolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
224hp167kW
190hp142kW
Torque
320Nm236lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,515kg3,340lb
1,410kg3,109lb
Gross weight
1,815kg4,001lb
1,800kg3,968lb
Top speed
225 km/h
140 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
To 99% top speed
78.3s99% target: 223 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
74.7s99% target: 222 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.7s
7.5s
0-200 km/h
32.4s
Calculated
33.2s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.3s
Calculated
7.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12L/100 km19.6mpg US23.5mpg UK
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.7L/100 km14.1mpg US16.9mpg UK
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9.2L/100 km25.6mpg US30.7mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.8s
Calculated
15.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
148hp/t110kW/t67hp/1000 lb
Calculated
135hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
211Nm/t141lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
525km326mi
Calculated
619km385mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,189cc195cu in
2,861cc175cu in
Length
4,100mm161in
4,020mm158in
Width
1,810mm71in
1,695mm67in
Height
1,470mm58in
1,405mm55in
Wheelbase
2,515mm99in
2,475mm97in
Front track
1,555mm61in
1,450mm57in
Rear track
1,555mm61in
1,432mm56in
Trunk volume
135L
230L
Max trunk volume-
587L
Doors
3
3
Seats
4
5
Fuel tank
63L
65L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 SyncroPowerTorque
  • Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2: Power / Torque
  • Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.26,200 rpm3,000 rpm6,450 rpm
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro5,800 rpm4,200 rpm6,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricVolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.3 s
7.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.7 s
7.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.4 s
33.2 s
Top speed
225 km/h
140 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.3 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.6 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.4 s
13.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.8 s
15.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
153 km/h
95 mph
151 km/h
94 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
224 hp
167 kW
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW

Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2 has 34 hp more than Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro.

The biggest power difference is between Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro and Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2: 34 hp (25 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
245 Nm
181 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
1,515 kg
3,340 lb
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
1,410 kg
3,109 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
225 km/h
140 mph
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
224 km/h
139 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.26.7 s
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro7.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2 and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 0.8 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro and Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2: 1.5 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
148 hp/t
110 kW/t
6.8 kg/hp
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
525 km
326 mi
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
619 km
385 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
224 hp
167 kW
6.7 s
225 km/h
140 mph
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW
7.5 s
224 km/h
139 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
Power
224 hp
167 kW
0-100 km/h6.7 s
Top speed
225 km/h
140 mph
Doors/seats
3 doors
4 seats
Trunk
135 L
4.8 cu ft
Length
4,100 mm
161.4 in
Height
1,470 mm
57.9 in
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,020 mm
158.3 in
Height
1,405 mm
55.3 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
Power
224 hp
167 kW
0-100 km/h6.7 s
Top speed
225 km/h
140 mph
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
6.7 s
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
7.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
VolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2
148 hp/t
110 kW/t
6.8 kg/hp
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleVolkswagenNEW Beetle (9C)RSI 3.2VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
224 hp
167 kW
190 hp
142 kW
Torque
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.7 s
7.5 s
Top speed
225 km/h
140 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
Lightness
1,515 kg
3,340 lb
1,410 kg
3,109 lb
Fuel consumption
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
3 doors
4 seats
Trunk
135 L
4.8 cu ft
Length
4,100 mm
161.4 in
Height
1,470 mm
57.9 in
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,020 mm
158.3 in
Height
1,405 mm
55.3 in
Range score
525 km
326 mi
619 km
385 mi
Trunk score
135 L
4.8 cu ft
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
148 hp/t
110 kW/t
6.8 kg/hp
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleVolkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Consumption12 L/100 km19.6 mpg US23.5 mpg UK10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.00 LC100 km18.38 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.80 LC100 mi29.57 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,800 L476 US gal396 UK gal1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,150 LC/year2,756 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2

  • Has 34 hp more
  • Has 75 Nm more
  • Is 0.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 1 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 13 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

  • Is 105 kg lighter
  • Uses 1.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 94 km (58 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 95 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Volkswagen NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2
Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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