2005 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2006 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 253 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 325 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 2006 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2006 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2006 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2006 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | New Beetle | 325 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
