VW Convertible
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
Likes: 30
From: California
The New Beetle convertible suffers the same problems as the hardtop beetle (which I do have experience with). The handling of the New Beetle (like the handling of the other small VW's, known as MKIV's) doesn't stand up to the MINI.
One thing you may want to consider about the NB is that the future of at product line is still up in the air. The Golf and the Jetta are both being moved to an updated platform and no formal announcement has been made (that I've seen) regarding any plans to do the same for the new beetle. VW doesn't seem to keen on updating the New Beetle.
Just some thoughts.
One thing you may want to consider about the NB is that the future of at product line is still up in the air. The Golf and the Jetta are both being moved to an updated platform and no formal announcement has been made (that I've seen) regarding any plans to do the same for the new beetle. VW doesn't seem to keen on updating the New Beetle.
Just some thoughts.
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
I watched a side-by-side comparison video at my dealership the other day. It's amazing just how MUCH better the MINI convertible is -- in every way, from storage and features to handling and performance. The MINI wins hands down.
If you're close to a dealership, see if they have the video -- it's really worth watching.
- Angie
If you're close to a dealership, see if they have the video -- it's really worth watching.
- Angie
I currently have a MINI Cooper S (hatch), a New Beetle turbo (hatch) and a Rabbit based Cabriolet.
The Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the MINI and the turbo motor feels more powerful at highway speeds. It does suffer a little from turbo lag. Structurally it is the best VW I have owned (and I've owned a lot of them), however that probably wouldn't translate to the convertible. Handling of the Beetle is closer to a Buick than a MINI.
The MINI's power is far more useful around town, but fuel mileage is not as good. Still, the MINI can get bogged down if the supercharger isn't spooled up. The MINI 6 speed is light years ahead of the VW 5 speed, especially in feel. The MINI handles like a go-cart and gives you much more driver feedback than the Beetle.
You can make a VW's suspension feel very similar to a BMW/MINI with the proper selection of aftermarket components. (I did this with my last car, an '00 Jetta VR6.) You can easily modify the VW 1.8T engine to the point where it can blow the doors off the MINI Cooper S. But if you're not willing or able to choose the necessary upgrades, the VW New Beetle convertible might be a disappointment vs. the MINI convertible.
The Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the MINI and the turbo motor feels more powerful at highway speeds. It does suffer a little from turbo lag. Structurally it is the best VW I have owned (and I've owned a lot of them), however that probably wouldn't translate to the convertible. Handling of the Beetle is closer to a Buick than a MINI.
The MINI's power is far more useful around town, but fuel mileage is not as good. Still, the MINI can get bogged down if the supercharger isn't spooled up. The MINI 6 speed is light years ahead of the VW 5 speed, especially in feel. The MINI handles like a go-cart and gives you much more driver feedback than the Beetle.
You can make a VW's suspension feel very similar to a BMW/MINI with the proper selection of aftermarket components. (I did this with my last car, an '00 Jetta VR6.) You can easily modify the VW 1.8T engine to the point where it can blow the doors off the MINI Cooper S. But if you're not willing or able to choose the necessary upgrades, the VW New Beetle convertible might be a disappointment vs. the MINI convertible.
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