1988 BMW 520 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (221 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will offer significantly more control. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2000 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 16.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
