1981 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 31 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
