1981 BMW 745 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 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 150 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen New 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, 2007 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 745 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
