1996 BMW 525 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 40 L |
