1996 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Bora
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Bora is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Bora. (116 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Bora. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Bora. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Bora, 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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Bora. (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Bora.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2004 Volkswagen Bora | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Bora |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
