Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible

The Beetle has standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To help make backing safer, the Beetle Coast/SE’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Beetle and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The Beetle comes with a full 6-year/72000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The 4 Series Convertible’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years and 22000 miles sooner.

There are almost 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Beetle’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Beetle’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the 4 Series Convertible’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the 430i Convertible RWD (26 city/33 hwy vs. 24 city/34 hwy). The Beetle Dune gets better fuel mileage than the 430i Convertible RWD (26 city/34 hwy vs. 24 city/34 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The 4 Series Convertible requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Beetle higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW 4 Series Convertible (3 to 7). This means the Beetle produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 4 Series Convertible every 15,000 miles.

The EPA certifies the Volkswagen Beetle as a “Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle” (PZEV). The BMW 4 Series Convertible is only certified to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV) standards.

The Beetle has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 4 Series Convertible; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Beetle is 1.4 inches wider in the front than the track on the 4 Series Convertible.

For better maneuverability, the Beetle’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet). The Beetle’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible xDrive’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Volkswagen Beetle may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1050 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

The Beetle is 1 foot, 2.3 inches shorter than the 4 Series Convertible, making the Beetle easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Beetle’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The 4 Series Convertible’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

Insurance will cost less for the Beetle owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Beetle will cost $4990 to $8850 less than the 4 Series Convertible over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Beetle is less expensive to operate than the 4 Series Convertible because it costs $27 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Beetle than the 4 Series Convertible, including $293 less for a water pump, $57 less for front brake pads, $103 less for a starter, $70 less for a fuel pump, $63 less for front struts, $80 less for a timing belt/chain and $40 less for a power steering pump.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Beetle will be $24706 to $29555 less than for the BMW 4 Series Convertible.