1997 BMW 850 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter weights approximately 325 kg more than 1997 BMW 850.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter, 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. (250 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Transporter has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2007 Volkswagen Transporter | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Transporter |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 2000 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3410 mm |
