2009 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| 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 | 141 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
