2004 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 2 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 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 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 120 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
