2003 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 192 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
