Toyota Prius vs. Volkswagen New Beetle Review

Performance
Both the Toyota Prius and the New Beetle are likely to feel somewhat sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling
Really small tires, like the ones on the Toyota Prius, might provide better handling in deep snow but could also provide poor traction. With their similar turning circles, the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen New Beetle indubitably handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The New Beetle has a more massive engine than the Toyota. Remember that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Toyota Prius is tremendously more powerful than the Volkswagen New Beetle.

Utility
The Toyota Prius will very likely prove more convenient than the Volkswagen New Beetle for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.

Convenience
The Volkswagen New Beetle's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the Toyota Prius.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota offers a bit more head room than the Volkswagen New Beetle, there really isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Toyota Prius make it considerably roomier for your passengers than the Volkswagen New Beetle.

Dimensions
Both the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen New Beetle are likely to feel a little slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Volkswagen than the Prius because of its more capacious tank. The Prius rides lower than the Volkswagen New Beetle, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Volkswagen New Beetle and the Toyota compete for the same parking spaces. The Volkswagen New Beetle's shorter wheelbase will give a more maneuverable feel in daily traffic. On the flip side, the Toyota Prius is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Toyota to the dealership as the New Beetle. The Toyota Prius will save you money at the pump compared to the Volkswagen New Beetle. Regarding MSRP, the Toyota costs roughly as much as the New Beetle (though the New Beetle is somewhat cheaper). The Volkswagen will cost you a bundle in gas every year compared to the Toyota. The Prius will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Volkswagen New Beetle.

Overview
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Toyota Prius isn't quite as generous as the Volkswagen New Beetle's.