1977 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 202 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1977 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 1977 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (235 Nm). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
