Performance Review: Volkswagen-VW Beetle RSi 3.2 V6 - [2000]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Volkswagen-VW Beetle Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Volkswagen-VW Beetle RSi 3.2 V6 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2000. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the 2000 Ultima GTR 720.This particular Volkswagen-VW Beetle has a 3189cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The Beetle shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Beetle's All Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1515 kgs (3340 lbs) this makes the Volkswagen-VW Beetle RSi 3.2 V6 in the same weight category as the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid or the give or take 50kg.

The Volkswagen-VW Beetle shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 3189cc 24V V6 engine produces 221 bhp (164 kW) @ 6200 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 236 lb-ft (319.9 Nm) @ 3000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (236 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Volkswagen-VW Beetle you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1989 Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 (170.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Volkswagen-VW Beetle.

The Volkswagen-VW Beetle has a Power to weight ratio of 145.8 bhp per ton and 155.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2000 Beetle competing with the 1989 Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 (170.4 bhp per ton) or the 2003 Volvo S80 T6 3.0 Turbo (170.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Volkswagen-VW Beetle generating around 155.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2006 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro (180.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 6.4L V8 3rd Gen (180.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.4 secs, this made the Volkswagen-VW Beetle RSi 3.2 V6 as fast as the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ-R 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TDi SCR 4Motion (6.20 secs) the or the 2014 Peugeot 208 Gti 1.6 Turbo 30th (6.20 secs). This Volkswagen-VW Beetle RSi 3.2 V6 is also faster than the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (6.30 secs) the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (6.30 secs) the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo 5 door (6.30 secs) the and the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (6.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Beetle and the 2008 Bentley Azure T 6.8 V8

When talking about the performance of the Volkswagen-VW Beetle on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.96 secs @ 91.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Bentley Azure T 6.8 V8 (14.90 secs), the 1966 Buick Riviera 6.6l V8 (14.90 secs), and the 2011 KIA Optima 2.0 Turbo (14.90 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2000 version of the Volkswagen-VW Beetle RSi 3.2 V6 has a maximum speed of 140mph.

Top Speed of the 2000 Beetle equals the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged (151 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2000 Volkswagen-VW Beetle RSi 3.2 V6 then how about the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged (151 mph), the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Polo R WRC 2.0 Turbo (151 mph), or the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi Edition 30 DSG (151 mph).

Related Links:

2000 Beetle Rivals List.

A Brief History of Volkswagen-VW

Car Comparison