2008 BMW M3 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 915 kg more than 1955 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
