1949 BMW 340 vs. 1965 Volkswagen 1500
To start off, 1965 Volkswagen 1500 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 BMW 340. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 BMW 340 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 BMW 340 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 BMW 340 (53 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen 1500. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 BMW 340 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 BMW 340 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1965 Volkswagen 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 BMW 340 | 1965 Volkswagen 1500 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 340 | 1500 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
