1962 BMW 1500 vs. 1972 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 1500 (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 1500 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1962 BMW 1500.
Because 1962 BMW 1500 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 1962 BMW 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 1972 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 76 mm |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2700 mm |
