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Volkswagen Beetle vs Volkswagen Rabbit

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Volkswagen logo

2019 Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen logo

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Overview

SpecVolkswagen Beetle2.0T SVolkswagen RabbitS
Selected trim2.0T SS
Body styleHatchbackHatchback
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic5-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20192009

Pricing & market

SpecVolkswagen Beetle2.0T SVolkswagen RabbitS
MSRP$20,895$16,300 (best)
Lowest listing price$29,990 (best)
Median listing price$29,990 (best)
Highest listing price$29,990 (best)
For sale now1 (best)0

Fuel economy & range

SpecVolkswagen Beetle2.0T SVolkswagen RabbitS
Combined MPG29 MPG (best)24 MPG
City MPG26 MPG (best)21 MPG
Highway MPG33 MPG (best)30 MPG
Fuel tank14.5 gal14.5 gal

Performance

SpecVolkswagen Beetle2.0T SVolkswagen RabbitS
Horsepower174 hp (best)170 hp
Torque184 lb-ft (best)177 lb-ft
Engine size2 L2.5 L (best)
CylindersI4I5

Size & capability

SpecVolkswagen Beetle2.0T SVolkswagen RabbitS
Seating4 seats5 seats (best)
Doors33
Cargo volume29.9 cu ft (best)15 cu ft
Payload705 lbs (best)
Curb weight3,045 lbs2,975 lbs (best)
Ground clearance5.7 in (best)5.4 in
Wheelbase100.1 in101.5 in (best)
Length168.8 in (best)165.8 in
Width71.9 in (best)69.3 in
Height58.6 in (best)58.2 in

Safety & recalls

SpecVolkswagen Beetle2.0T SVolkswagen RabbitS
NHTSA overallNot Rated
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)Not Rated
Side crash (passenger)Not Rated
Side poleNot Rated
Rollover4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)32 (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimVolkswagen BeetleVolkswagen Rabbit
1

2.0T S

$20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing)

S

$16,300 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

2.0T S

$25,995 MSRP

S

$17,400 MSRP

3

2.0T Final Edition SE

$23,045 MSRP

S

$19,340 MSRP

4

2.0T Final Edition SE

$27,295 MSRP

S PZEV

$16,300 MSRP

5

2.0T SE

$24,395 MSRP

S PZEV

$17,400 MSRP

6

2.0T SE

$28,395 MSRP

S PZEV

$19,340 MSRP

7

2.0T Final Edition SEL

$25,995 MSRP

Base

$23,830 MSRP

8

2.0T Final Edition SEL

$29,995 MSRP

PZEV

$23,830 MSRP

9

PZEV

$24,330 MSRP

Live inventory

Volkswagen Beetle vs Volkswagen Rabbit FAQ

Which is better: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2019 Volkswagen Beetle vs 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit starts lower at $16,300. Live Volkswagen Beetle listings start at $29,990.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (16,300).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
Which has better horsepower: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit leads on horsepower in this comparison (200).
Which has better seats: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit leads on seats in this comparison (5).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2019 Volkswagen Beetle vs 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Beetle (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).