1975 BMW 1602 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1975 BMW 1602 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,574 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 1602 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 1602 (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 1602 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 1602 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 1602 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 1975 BMW 1602. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1975 BMW 1602 (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 BMW 1602 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 1602 | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1602 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
