1958 BMW 503 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 269 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 BMW 503 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 1958 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1958 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 503 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
