1996 BMW 540 vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 640 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 540 | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1597 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 77.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1205 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |