2001 BMW 325 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2001 BMW 325 is newer by 45 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 325 weights approximately 665 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, 2001 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 325 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 325 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 42 L |
