1998 BMW 320 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 736 kg more than 1956 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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 42 L |
