1990 BMW 525 vs. 2010 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 20 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 13 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 732 kg more than 1990 BMW 525.
Because 2010 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2010 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 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 | 1575 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3010 mm |
