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 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (169 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 35 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 216 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 @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). 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 | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1349 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
