1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1988 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
