1996 BMW M3 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 848 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 M3 (305 Nm) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW M3 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | M3 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1996 | 1955 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 3001 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 326 HP | 38 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 89 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 77 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 64 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 740 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |