2012 BMW Z4 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 380 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW Z4 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 2012 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW Z4 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4242 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1285 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2497 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
