1972 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 38 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 862 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, 2010 Volkswagen 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
