1957 BMW 600 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 56 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1957 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 830 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, 2013 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 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 600 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2537 mm |
