1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 24 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 237 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 520 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |