
Few vehicles do retro quite as faithfully as the New Beetle, even if it has nothing in common mechanically with the original rear-engine car.
However, for design mavens and small-car fans, there's the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Convertible.
Both models are a thrill to drive, handle better than the New Beetle, and go much farther on a gallon of gas.
The Ford Mustang hits the right styling notes and offers convertible and V-8 editions to boot.
Volkswagen's own Rabbit hatchback has a four-door version, a rich interior, up-to-date equipment, and good crash-test performance.
Or for just a few thousand more than the New Beetle Convertible, you could also step up to the Eos, which is a much more sophisticated, sporty convertible with an advanced folding hardtop.
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Quick Specs | |||
People flock to the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle for its looks—but performance, safety, and interior space are not its best attributes. |
Nostalgia is still a big part of the appeal, but the 2010 Ford Mustang is now every bit a modern, refined sport coupe. |
The 2009 Volkswagen Eos isn't sexy, and it's one of the most practical choices among convertibles and there's a lot to like. |
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a high-quality compact vehicle throughout, though it's not particularly sporty or fuel-efficient. |
MSRP From | |||
$18,290 | $21,395 | $31,615 | $16,300 |
Gas Mileage | |||
20 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas I5 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas I5 |
EPA Class | |||
Sub-Compact | Compact | Subcompact | Compact |
Style Name | |||
2-Door Manual S | 2-Door Coupe V6 | 2-Door Convertible Manual Komfort | 2-Door HB Manual S |
Drivetrain | |||
Front Wheel Drive | Rear wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
2 Door Coupe | 2 Door Coupe | 2 Door Convertible | 2 Door HB |
Transmission | |||
Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2010 Ford Mustang | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2009 Volkswagen Eos | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit |