1988 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 635 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
