2009 BMW 120 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP) has 115 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 547 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
