1996 BMW 840 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 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 690 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 840 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 840. 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 840 (440 Nm) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (166 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 840 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
