2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW Z4 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW Z4 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 2011 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | New Beetle | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
