1985 BMW 324 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW 324 (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 71 kg more than 1985 BMW 324.
Because 1985 BMW 324 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 1985 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 324 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 14.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
