1990 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 131 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 14.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
