1996 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1996 BMW 520 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 1996 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
