1973 BMW 3 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1973 BMW 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
