2011 BMW 550 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 590 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 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 2011 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 550 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
