1978 Volkswagen 1302 vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | 1302 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2840 mm |
