1996 BMW 523 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 767 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2005 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 2312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
