1990 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 21 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 2,000 cc, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1828 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 248 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2011 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. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1790 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 |
