1997 BMW 850 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 15 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 49 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. (280 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 192 kg more than 1997 BMW 850.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. (359 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2893 mm |
