1990 BMW 518 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 518. 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1350 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
