2008 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 250 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 M3 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 M3. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
