1996 BMW 545 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 BMW 545. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 750 kg more than 1996 BMW 545. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 545. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1996 BMW 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 545 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
