1991 BMW M12 vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1991 BMW M12 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 BMW M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW M12 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW M12 should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 BMW M12 (450 Nm) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1991 BMW M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW M12 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M12 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
