1989 BMW 850 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
