2004 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
