2005 BMW 330 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 2 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 323 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 2005 BMW 330 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 2005 BMW 330. 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, 2005 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
