1969 BMW 1600 vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1969 BMW 1600 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 BMW 1600 (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 BMW 1600 weights approximately 256 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1969 BMW 1600 (160 Nm) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1969 BMW 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
