1988 BMW M5 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 574 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
Because 2011 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW M5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M5 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
