1998 BMW 729 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 729. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 729 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 729 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 729 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 729 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 729 weights approximately 599 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 729 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 1998 BMW 729. 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, 1998 BMW 729 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 729 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 729 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 729 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2590 mm |
