1998 BMW 740 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 648 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 740 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 1998 BMW 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 740 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
