2005 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 7 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (177 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 52 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 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | New Beetle | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.7 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
