1957 BMW 600 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1957 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 804 kg more than 1957 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 BMW 600 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 1957 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 600 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2510 mm |
