Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Dodge Challenger

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 Challenger 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 Challenger have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen Beetle is safer than the Dodge Challenger:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

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 Challenger was rated lower at “Acceptable.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the general design of front seat head restraints for their ability to protect front seat occupants from whiplash injuries. The IIHS also performs a dynamic test on those seats with “good” or “acceptable” geometry. In these ratings, the Beetle with leather seats is safer then the Challenger:

(Lower numerical results are better in all tests.)

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

The Beetle’s corrosion warranty is 5 years and unlimited miles longer than the Challenger’s (10/unlimited vs. 5/60,000).

The Volkswagen Beetle’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Challenger’s 3.6 DOHC V6 engine uses 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 Challenger.

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 15 points higher than the Challenger.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2017 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 22nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen 19th in reliability. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 23rd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2017 Auto Issue reports that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Volkswagen 4 places higher in reliability than Dodge.

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

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Challenger R/T manual requires premium, 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 Dodge Challenger (1 to 3). This means the Beetle produces up to 47 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Challenger every 15,000 miles.

The EPA certifies the Volkswagen Beetle as a “Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle” (PZEV). The Dodge Challenger is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

For better maneuverability, the Beetle’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Challenger SXT/R/T’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Beetle’s turning circle is 3.1 feet tighter than the Challenger SRT Hellcat’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.5 feet).

The Volkswagen Beetle may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1250 pounds less than the Dodge Challenger.

The Beetle is 2 feet, 5.1 inches shorter than the Challenger, making the Beetle easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Beetle is 5.5 inches narrower on average than the Challenger, making the Beetle easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Beetle has standard flush composite headlights. The Challenger 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 Challenger SRT Hellcat:

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Beetle easier. The Beetle’s trunk lift-over height is 27.9 inches, while the Challenger’s liftover is 33.2 inches.

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 Challenger doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

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 Challenger 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 Challenger doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Volkswagen Beetle comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Dodge Challenger isn’t available as a convertible.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Beetle is less expensive to operate than the Challenger because typical repairs cost less on the Beetle than the Challenger, including $77 less for an alternator and $36 less for front brake pads.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Beetle will be $7615 to $35722 less than for the Dodge Challenger.