2009 BMW 135 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 135 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 135. 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 135 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 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 | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
