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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 2009 Volkswagen BeetleBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Ford MustangBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Volkswagen EosBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Volkswagen RabbitBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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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 | |
