1996 BMW 730 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 564 kg more than 1996 BMW 730.
Because 2011 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 730. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
