### The Pursuit of Cheap Speed
In the world of underground car culture, there’s a pursuit of speed that’s as much about the thrill as it is about the thrill of the chase. Two contenders stand out in this pursuit: the Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo. Both are known for their raw power and agility, but which one reigns supreme?
### The Honda Civic Si
This little Honda packs a big punch. With its 160-horsepower VTEC engine, it’s a force to be reckoned with on the twisties. The Si’s quick reflexes and splendid balance make it a joy to drive, and its NSX genes shine through in every corner. But it’s not just about speed – the Si’s interior is a masterpiece of understated elegance, with a silky-smooth shifter and precise controls that make you feel like you’re driving a high-performance machine.
### The Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo
The New Beetle GLS Turbo is a different beast altogether. With its turbocharged and intercooled engine, it’s a force to be reckoned with on the straight line. The GLS’s 150-hp engine may not seem like a lot, but its clever gearing and responsive steering make it a joy to drive. And let’s not forget the styling – the GLS’s happy-face design is a standout in the world of compact cars.
### Head-to-Head
So which one comes out on top? In a battle of straight-line speed, the GLS Turbo takes the lead, but the Civic Si edges it out in the twisties. But it’s not just about speed – the Civic Si’s interior is a masterclass in understated elegance, while the GLS’s styling is a standout in the world of compact cars.
### Verdict
The Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo are two vastly different cars, but both are equally at home in the world of underground car culture. The Civic Si is a force to be reckoned with on the twisties, while the GLS Turbo is a joy to drive on the straight line. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – but one thing’s for sure: both cars are guaranteed to get your heart racing.
### Specifications
**Honda Civic Si**
* Engine: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
* Displacement: 97 in 3, 1595 cm 3
* Power: 160 hp @ 7600 rpm
* Torque: 111 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
* Transmission: 5-speed manual
* Chassis: Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink Brakes, F/R: vented disc/disc Tires: Michelin XGT V4 195/55VR-15
**Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo**
* Engine: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 20-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection
* Displacement: 109 in 3, 1781 cm 3
* Power: 150 hp @ 5700 rpm
* Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
* Transmission: 5-speed manual
* Chassis: Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: vented disc/disc Tires: Michelin MXV4 205/55HR-16
**C/D TEST RESULTS**
* Honda Civic Si
+ 60 mph: 7.6 sec
+ 1/4-Mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph
+ 100 mph: 23.0 sec
+ Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
+ Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 10.3 sec
+ Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 11.1 sec
+ Top Speed: 127 mph
+ Braking, 70–0 mph: 199 ft
+ Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
+ Interior Sound Idle: 39 dBA
+ Full Throttle: 80 dBA
+ 70-mph Cruising: 74 dBA
* Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo
+ 60 mph: 7.3 sec
+ 1/4-Mile: 15.9 sec @ 88 mph
+ 100 mph: 22.4 sec
+ Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
+ Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 9.6 sec
+ Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 7.0 sec
+ Top Speed: 133 mph
+ Braking, 70–0 mph: X189 ft
+ Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
+ Interior Sound Idle: 42 dBA
+ Full Throttle: 77 dBA
+ 70-mph Cruising: 71 dBA
**C/D TESTING EXPLAINED**
The Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo are two vastly different cars, but both are equally at home in the world of underground car culture. The Civic Si is a force to be reckoned with on the twisties, while the GLS Turbo is a joy to drive on the straight line. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – but one thing’s for sure: both cars are guaranteed to get your heart racing.
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