1981 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 118 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 1981 BMW 525. 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (232 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 525 | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2475 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 232 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 92.7 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1162 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |