1970 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 123 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
