1990 BMW 525 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 95 kg more than 1990 BMW 525.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 1999 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 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 |
