Ford Escape vs. Volkswagen New Beetle Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Ford Escape vs. Volkswagen New Beetle

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Model Year	2008	2008	2008	2008	2008--2007	2008--2007
Model	Escape	Escape	Escape	Escape	New Beetle	New Beetle
Trim	XLS	XLT	Limited	Hybrid	S	SE
Engines (hide)
2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 175 hp@6000 175 lb-ft@4500
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 240 hp@6550 223 lb-ft@4300
2.5L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 163 hp@6250 152 lb-ft@4500
2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 150 hp@5000 170 lb-ft@3750
Transmissions (hide)
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
CVT
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
FWD
AWD
Tires (hide)
235/70R16 tires
225/65R17 tires
205/55HR16 tires
225/45HR17 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 80W, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 320W, 7 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 6 speakers
Accessories (hide)
AC power outletPowers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.   [?]
Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.
Cruise control
Keyless entry keypadUnlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.   [?]
Unlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote startStart the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.   [?]
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.
Tilt steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Daytime running lights (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Front side airbagsTorso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Full-size spare tire
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.   [?]
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo cover
Cargo net
Cargo tray
Class II trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.   [?]
Hitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Console with shifter
Liftglass or two-piece tailgateDo not have to open entire tailgate to access the cargo area.   [?]
Do not have to open entire tailgate to access the cargo area.
Overhead sunglass holderUsually part of an overhead console.   [?]
Usually part of an overhead console.
Roof rack crossbarsRequires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.   [?]
Requires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.
Roof railsNo crossbars.   [?]
No crossbars.
Storage beneath cargo floorLarge storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.   [?]
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Trailering equipment (4 wire)Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.   [?]
Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear wiper
Speed-sensitive wipersOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Engine-block heaterPlugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.   [?]
Plugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.
Oil coolerOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Exterior (hide)
Additional chrome trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Rear bumper protector
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Running boards
Sunroof
Gas Guzzler Tax (hide)
-2200
-3000
Infotainment (hide)
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
CD changer, in-dashIncludes CD player.   [?]
Includes CD player.
CD changer, remoteCD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.   [?]
CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.
CD player
iPod integrationIntegrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.   [?]
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Satellite radio - one year subscriptionXM or Sirius with one-year subscription.   [?]
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Large energy flow and fuel economy displayStandard or optional in some hybrid vehicles. Fancy display of power flows, enhanced trip computer information.   [?]
Standard or optional in some hybrid vehicles. Fancy display of power flows, enhanced trip computer information.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row 2-person bench
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
All-weather floor matsAll-weather floormats.   [?]
All-weather floormats.
Center armrest(s), front row
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual height adjuster, driver seat
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.   [?]
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Upgraded leather upholsteryNo additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.   [?]
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Alloy wheels
Chrome-clad alloy wheelsAlloy wheels with a chromed plastic veneer. Replace and include value of regular alloy wheels.   [?]
Alloy wheels with a chromed plastic veneer. Replace and include value of regular alloy wheels.
Machined alloy wheelsOuter surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.   [?]
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.
Wheel locksLug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.   [?]
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.
White-letter tiresThe letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.   [?]
The letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.

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