1996 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 8 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 452 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (235 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
