2003 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2003 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 135 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 2012 BMW 135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2012 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | New Beetle | 135 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
