2002 BMW 332 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2002 BMW 332 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 332 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 332 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 BMW 332 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 2002 BMW 332. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2002 BMW 332 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 332 | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 332 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
