Volkswagen Beetle vs BMW i3
Overview | |
Years produced1938-1979 | Years produced2014-2021 |
MSRP$20,220 | MSRP$42,400 |
Listings1387 | Listings248 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Reviews SummaryAs Volkswagen prepares to 86 the Beetle in favor of its new retro retread, the electric I.D. Buzz, it has decided to use the little nod to nostalgia as one of the promotional platforms for its new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. With a new combustion cycle developed at VW, this larger engine offers the Beetle some extra economy for its final lap. But rather than letting the Beetle fade into iconic history, VW has a last blast to bestow in the form of a special “Coast” edition that comes with a unique trim treatment and paint job. | |
Reviews SummaryThe small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine168 hp Electric |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City26 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name168 hp Electric |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City26 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway111 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity4 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.4 cu ft | Cargo Space11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3020 lbs | Curb Weight2634 lbs |
Height58.6 in | Height62.1 in |
Length168.8 in | Length157.8 in |
Width71.9 in | Width70.0 in |
Wheelbase100.1 in | Wheelbase101.2 in |
Maximum Payload761 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1938-1979 | 2014-2021 |
MSRP | $20,220 | $42,400 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | As Volkswagen prepares to 86 the Beetle in favor of its new retro retread, the electric I.D. Buzz, it has decided to use the little nod to nostalgia as one of the promotional platforms for its new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. With a new combustion cycle developed at VW, this larger engine offers the Beetle some extra economy for its final lap. But rather than letting the Beetle fade into iconic history, VW has a last blast to bestow in the form of a special “Coast” edition that comes with a unique trim treatment and paint job. | The small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 168 hp Electric |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 26 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 168 hp Electric |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 26 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 111 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.4 cu ft | 11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3020 lbs | 2634 lbs |
Height | 58.6 in | 62.1 in |
Length | 168.8 in | 157.8 in |
Width | 71.9 in | 70.0 in |
Wheelbase | 100.1 in | 101.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 761 lbs | |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
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