2009 BMW 330 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle

To start off, 2009 BMW 330 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 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 237 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 330 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 330. 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 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.

Compare all specifications:

2009 BMW 330 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 330 New Beetle
Year Released 2009 2003
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2979 cc 1390 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 228 HP 70 HP
Engine RPM 5900 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 300 Nm 130 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3300 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 76.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 89.6 mm 75.6 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.2:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Top Speed 250 km/hour 161 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 6.5 seconds 14.6 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1505 kg 1268 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 4100 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1520 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 3010 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 9.3 L/100km 7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 55 L