2003 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 14 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 11.7 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 | 1385 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
