2002 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 631 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | New Beetle | X3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1422 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
