1990 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 128 kg more than 1990 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 520 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 1990 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2001 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
