1975 BMW 320 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1975 BMW 320. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 213 kg more than 1975 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 320. (157 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
