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Focus ZX3 vs VW Beetle - READ ONLY

34 messages,  Last post on Oct 01, 2002 at 5:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Volkswagen New Beetle, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 4 of 4

#29 of 34 ZX3 by bfallis

Mar 17, 2001 (4:09 pm)

I bought a ZX3 recently. I like the feel of the car inside and the 5-speed, and such, but mainly I liked the fact that as a tall guy I can easily fit into the driver's seat and my whole bass rig fits in the back. I felt the Focus had an excellent use of interior space. I was going to get the focus wagon, because it has a lot of cargo space, but decided that for $2500 less the ZX3 had plenty.
 
I'd enjoy the beetle, I'm sure, but the ZX3 was just a lot more practical for me in terms of price and space. Although the beetle may have plenty of space too? never looked at one from the inside.

#30 of 34 I own a Focus and a NB TDI... by erictooley

Sep 06, 2001 (4:10 pm)

Both are good cars and are fun to drive. The Focus has much more practical cargo room, and has the best back seat. The Bug's front seats are much more comfortable, and it's much quieter (except at idle). I can drive about 300 miles between fill-ups in my Focus, and about 500 miles in the Bug.
 
A more direct comparison with the ZX3 might be a Golf. The Bug is more "personal" and less practical. It's the toy car that may make less sense than a ZX3, but more sense than a Miata.

#31 of 34 Focus and Beetle... by alpine325i

Nov 09, 2001 (1:32 am)

I drove the new Focus and thought it had nice accelleration and was fun to drive, and had a cool stereo with some nice thick low mids and bass response, but I didn't like the build quality and fit and finish. The Focus also had a very annoying "Tionk" sound coming from the turn signal indicators. I did like the cargo space in the Focus. Then I drove the New Beetle, I liked the build quality and the interior alot more than the Focus, especially the seats which were heated, and the big open space in the cockpit. The 1.8T Turbo Beetle is alot of fun, real quick and agile, but real solid and great road feel. If you decide to buy the New Beetle, get the 1.8T Turbo, it's alot more fun than the non turbo. I bought a 2002 New Beetle GLX 1.8T, Black on Black leather, automatic, 17" wheels, 6 disc changer, but It cost me $22,000 for the fully loaded GLX with every option. I think the Focus is a great value for it's price and it's hard to compare the two when they seem so different, especially the prices. The Beetle on the other hand feels like it's built better but It will cost you alot more. Test drive both, each one will "speak" to you. For me, the Beetle spoke a little louder and clearer. :O)

#32 of 34 Consumer Reports reliability by periwon

Nov 09, 2001 (9:05 pm)

According to the April 2000 Consumer Reports, first year Focuses were about 30% less reliable than average, about the same as a Jetta, or for that matter, an Audi A6 or Volvo S80. The 2000 New Beetle was about 50% worse than average. Considering that average is 20 problems per 100 vehicles, I wouldn't let the reliability make the decision. One word of warning though: a couple of car magazines have done long term tests on the New Beetle Turbos, and have had to replace the clutch. Car and Driver found their Beetle Turbo to be one of the more expensive cars to maintain.
 
To me, the Focus is a contemporary car, while the Beetle is a show car brought to life. I was thinking of looking at both cars, but at age 44, I would have felt goofy about driving a New Beetle. If I were younger, or female I'm sure I'd feel differently, but I'm not sure I'd find the extra money a Beetle costs to be worth it. Plus, the ZX3 has more rear seat room and an easier to load hatch.

#33 of 34 Focus and its recalls by cybergrnbug

Sep 18, 2002 (5:27 pm)

Ok now didn't the Ford Focus have like 9 recalls already??????? Something is not right about that.
I honestly don't see how you can compare the two.

#34 of 34 you can easily compare these two by nippononly

Oct 01, 2002 (5:05 pm)

they are two of the worst cars on the market in terms of reliability and repairs! LOL
 
Although they may have finally got all the kinks out of the recall-plagued Focus - it IS in its fourth model year after all. There is no comparison between Focus and Escort - Escort was actually pretty reliable for what it was, but cheap as all heck. Focus does not feel cheap, and the Beetle feels luxurious, but there is no way you should be buying either unless you only intend to keep it for three or four years MAX.
 
BEETLE is the most dismal model yet (and that is saying a lot after the early 90's jettas) for VW in terms of problems, repairs, breakdowns, and general malaise.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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