1990 BMW 518 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 22 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen 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 1 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 518 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 518 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1359 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |