2009 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 191 kg more than 2002 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 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 318 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| 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 | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
