2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 54 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 555 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
