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 74 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 363 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
