2004 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen 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 137 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 Volkswagen 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 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 BMW 318 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 318 | Beetle |
Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |