Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

The Beetle has standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Camaro doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Beetle and the Camaro have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) performs roof strength tests. In that test the Beetle earned the top rating of “Good” because its roof supported over four times the Beetle’s weight before being crushed five inches. The Camaro was rated lower at “Acceptable.”

The Beetle comes with a full 6-year/72000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Camaro’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 3 years and 36,000 miles sooner.

The Beetle’s corrosion warranty is 4 years and unlimited miles longer than the Camaro’s (10/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

The Volkswagen Beetle’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Camaro’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the Beetle has an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of some of the engines in the Camaro.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Beetle’s reliability 22 points higher than the Camaro.

On the EPA test cycle the Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the Camaro:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Camaro 2.0 Turbo requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Beetle higher (7 out of 10) than the Chevrolet Camaro (1 to 5). This means the Beetle produces up to 47 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Camaro every 15,000 miles.

The Volkswagen Beetle comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the Camaro.

For better maneuverability, the Beetle’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the Camaro’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet). The Beetle’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the Camaro ZL1 1LE Coupe’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Volkswagen Beetle may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 900 pounds less than the Chevrolet Camaro.

The Beetle is 1 foot, 7.9 inches shorter than the Camaro, making the Beetle easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces. The Beetle is 1 foot, 9.8 inches shorter than the Camaro ZL1.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Beetle has standard flush composite headlights. The Camaro has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Beetle Dune Coupe is quieter than the Camaro SS Coupe:

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Beetle Dune Convertible is quieter than the Camaro SS Convertible:

The Beetle Coupe has .9 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room, 2.1 inches more rear headroom and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the Camaro Coupe.

The Beetle Convertible has .9 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room, 2.6 inches more rear headroom and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the Camaro Convertible.

The Beetle Coupe has a much larger trunk with its rear seat up than the Camaro Coupe (15.4 vs. 9.1 cubic feet).

The Beetle’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Camaro Convertible doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The Beetle’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Camaro Coupe’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

The Beetle Convertible’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Camaro’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The Beetle has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and fuel theft. The Camaro doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Beetle’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Camaro’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Beetle SE/Dune/Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Camaro doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Beetle (except S/Coast) offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Camaro doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Beetle’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Chevrolet charges extra for heated mirrors on the Camaro.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Beetle has standard rear heat vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Camaro doesn’t offer rear vents.

Insurance will cost less for the Beetle owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Beetle will cost $1685 less than the Camaro over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Beetle is less expensive to operate than the Camaro because it costs $333 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Beetle than the Camaro, including $286 less for front brake pads, $76 less for fuel injection, $202 less for a fuel pump and $24 less for front struts.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Beetle will be $5876 to $38201 less than for the Chevrolet Camaro.