2008 BMW 540 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2008 BMW 540 is newer by 53 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 4,398 cc, 2008 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 540 weights approximately 995 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2008 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 540 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1192 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 38 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
