2012 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 397 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 2013 BMW 5 Series 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 2013 BMW 5 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Beetle | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4278 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1808 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1486 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2537 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
