1997 Volkswagen Fusca vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Fusca would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 875 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Fusca has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Fusca | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Fusca | 520 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1583 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2968 mm |
