1988 BMW 530 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1988 BMW 530 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 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 530 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 530 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 188 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 261 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |