2009 BMW 116 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 116 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 80 kg more than 2009 BMW 116.
Because 2009 BMW 116 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 2009 BMW 116. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 116. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 116 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 116 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
