1968 BMW 2800 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 BMW 2800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 BMW 2800 would be higher. At 2,786 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 BMW 2800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 BMW 2800 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 BMW 2800 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 BMW 2800 weights approximately 59 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 1968 BMW 2800 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 1968 BMW 2800. 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, 1968 BMW 2800 (235 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 BMW 2800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 2800 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2800 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
