2009 BMW 120 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle (180 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 13 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2001 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
