1988 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 24 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 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 167 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
Because 1988 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 12.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1772 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2919 mm |
