I think a lot of the gas mileage problems you experience on the VW beetle have less to do with the engine size of the car, or even the curb weight, and more to do with the fact that aerodynamically, there's no logic to the vehicle. The 2010 honda civic weighs more than the 2010 beetle, (barely) puts out similar horsepower (140, compared to the beetle's 150) with less displacement (1.8 inline 4 vs. 2.5 inline 5) and gets better mileage. Although I suppose I haven't taken gear ratios and whatnot into account, but I'd venture to say that a civic being aerodynamically superior plays its part.
In which case, you'd be asking for the beetle to have an overdramatic body restyle.
I used to own beater-camaros, so when people cry about getting 22+ to the gallon, I kind of chuckle.
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