2008 BMW 530 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 637 kg more than 2008 BMW 530.
Because 2008 BMW 530 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 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2008 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 530 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
