2009 BMW 120 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 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 35 kg more than 2013 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, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1415 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
