1988 BMW 535 vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 535 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 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 535 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
