1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
