1972 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 124 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 12.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
