1981 BMW 745 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1981 BMW 745 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 770 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 745 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 745. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 745 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 40 L |
