2001 BMW 325 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 325 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 325 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 2001 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2001 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 325 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 325 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
