1978 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 316 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 12.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
