2009 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 28 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 104 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
