2008 BMW 525 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 2008 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
