1990 BMW 316 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
