2011 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
2011 BMW M3 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | M3 | Beetle |
Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1424 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 17.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |