A while ago, BeamNG.drive developers shared a file containing the dimensions of in-game cars. This sparked curiosity about how these virtual vehicles measure up against their real-world counterparts. This analysis delves into a detailed comparison of car dimensions, focusing on length, wheelbase, and width to determine the accuracy of BeamNG.drive’s vehicle representations. Height comparisons are excluded as the provided data represents bodyshell dimensions without ride height adjustments.
Autobello Piccolina Dimensions Compared
When examining the Autobello Piccolina, its 357 cm length positions it closest to the Fiat 850 (357.5 cm) and Fiat 600 (321 cm), rather than the longer VW Beetle (408 cm). However, the Piccolina’s 230 cm wheelbase is more aligned with the VW Beetle (240 cm) than the shorter Fiat 600 (200 cm). In terms of width, the Piccolina stands at 158 cm, making it significantly wider than the Fiat 600 (by 20 cm) and even wider than the VW Beetle. Interestingly, it approaches the width of the larger, newer Fiat 128.
Conclusion: The Autobello Piccolina’s length is realistic, but the wheelbase is slightly elongated, and the car is notably wider than expected for its class.
Bruckell LeGran Dimensions Compared
The Bruckell LeGran’s length of 482 cm falls squarely between the 1982 A-Body sedan (478 cm) and wagon (484 cm), indicating realistic proportions. Its wheelbase of 269 cm is slightly longer than the A-Body (262 cm) but matches the 1986 Ford Taurus precisely. The width of 177 cm is only marginally wider than the GM A-Body vehicles.
Conclusion: The Bruckell LeGran accurately represents a standard-sized 1980s American midsize car in terms of dimensions.
Bruckell Moonhawk Dimensions Compared
At 530 cm long, the Bruckell Moonhawk is comparable to the 4-door 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle (533 cm), placing it within the normal range for a midsize car of that era. The Moonhawk’s wheelbase of 285 cm is identical to the 1973 Chevelle. However, its width of 203 cm is considerable, exceeding the 1973 Chevelle (and other A-Bodies) by 6.7 cm and aligning with the full-size 1973 C-Body cars.
Conclusion: The Bruckell Moonhawk exhibits the length and wheelbase of a Chevrolet Chevelle but possesses the width of a larger Coupe de Ville.
Burnside Special Dimensions Compared
The Burnside Special, with a length of 514 cm, is slightly shorter than the Oldsmobile 88 (519 cm), a comparable real-world mid-price car, maintaining a close resemblance. However, its 293 cm wheelbase is shorter than typical mid-price cars of the time, resembling the 1953 Chevrolet or Ford (292 cm) more closely. Similar to other BeamNG vehicles, the Burnside Special is wide at 202 cm, surpassing the 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 by 6.6 cm and approaching the width of a Cadillac 60 Special (203.5 cm).
Conclusion: The Burnside Special combines a Chevrolet wheelbase, Oldsmobile length, and Cadillac width in its dimensions.
Civetta Bolide Dimensions Compared
The Civetta Bolide’s 423 cm length is typical for a V8 Italian supercar, closely mirroring the Ferrari 328 (just 2.5 cm longer). The 252 cm wheelbase, however, is longer than expected for a car of this length, being only slightly shorter than the much longer Ferrari Testarossa (255.5 cm) and significantly longer than the Ferrari 328. The 190 cm width is consistent with other supercars of the era, such as the Lamborghini Countach (188.7 cm).
Conclusion: The Civetta Bolide generally aligns with 1980s Italian supercar dimensions, although the wheelbase appears somewhat elongated.
ETK I-Series Dimensions Compared
With a length of 467 cm, the ETK I-Series fits neatly between the BMW E28 (462 cm) and E34 (472 cm), demonstrating realistic sizing. The wheelbase of 268 cm also falls between the E28 (262.5 cm) and E34 (276 cm). The 171 cm width is closer to the BMW E28 (170 cm) than the wider E34 (175 cm).
Conclusion: The ETK I-Series dimensions accurately position it between the BMW E28 and E34 generations, reflecting its intended design era.
ETK K-Series Dimensions Compared
The ETK K-Series, at 444 cm long, is on the longer side for a small two-seater, comparable to the real-world BMW 2-Series but significantly longer than the BMW Z4 E89. The 264 cm wheelbase is also longer than the Z4 E89 and only slightly shorter than the BMW 2-Series. The width is again a point of divergence, with the ETK K-Series measuring a substantial 190 cm, exceeding even the wide Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) and surpassing the Mercedes-Benz SL.
Conclusion: The ETK K-Series appears too short to be a direct Mercedes-Benz SL rival and somewhat too wide for its intended class.
ETK 800-Series Dimensions Compared
The ETK 800-Series, with a length of 469 cm, is very close to the BMW F31 3-Series (462 cm). The 285 cm wheelbase is also similar to the BMW F31 (281 cm). The width of 184 cm is just slightly wider than the real-world BMW 3-Series (181 cm).
Conclusion: The ETK 800-Series dimensions closely mirror those of a BMW F31 3-Series, making it a very accurate virtual representation.
Gavril Barstow Dimensions Compared
The Gavril Barstow’s length of 490 cm is surprisingly long, exceeding both the 1969 and 1971 Ford Mustang by a significant margin. In fact, its length is closer to the midsize 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle than the compact Mustang. The 275 cm wheelbase, however, is appropriately positioned between the 1969 and 1971 Mustangs. The Barstow’s width of 192 cm is even wider than the 1971 “Clydesdale” Mustang and approaches the midsize 1970 Ford Torino.
Conclusion: The Gavril Barstow’s bodywork appears stretched, resulting in dimensions closer to a near-midsize car than a typical pony car.
Gavril Bluebuck Dimensions Compared
The Gavril Bluebuck is notably long at 547 cm, surpassing the 1964 Chevrolet full-size line and even the Pontiac Catalina. The 300 cm wheelbase is more in line with the 1964 Chevrolet. The width of 202 cm exceeds even the “Wide Track” Pontiacs of the era, being wider than both the 1964 Bonneville and Impala.
Conclusion: The Gavril Bluebuck presents a dimensional puzzle, appearing as a low-priced car with an oversized body or a nicer mid-price car with a shorter wheelbase than expected for its size.
Hirochi Sunburst Dimensions Compared
The Hirochi Sunburst, at 436 cm long, is relatively short for an international Japanese compact car. While shorter than the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer, it closely resembles the Japanese market 2008 Toyota Corolla Axio. The 257 cm wheelbase is also closer to the Toyota Corolla Axio and Toyota Yaris sedan than the longer Impreza or Lancer. The 170 cm width adheres to Japanese domestic market limits but is narrower than international compact car standards.
Conclusion: The Hirochi Sunburst’s dimensions suggest it is modeled more closely after a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) compact car, which differs in size from “compact” cars in America and Europe.
Overall Dimensional Accuracy in BeamNG.drive
This comparison reveals that BeamNG.drive vehicles generally exhibit realistic dimensions in terms of length and wheelbase, often closely mirroring real-world counterparts. However, a recurring theme is that many BeamNG.drive cars tend to be wider than their real-world inspirations. This could be a design choice to enhance the visual presence and perceived robustness of the vehicles within the game environment. While not perfectly accurate in every dimension, BeamNG.drive cars offer a reasonably faithful representation of vehicle sizes, particularly in length and wheelbase, providing a solid foundation for realistic vehicle interactions and comparisons.
