2003 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 7 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 163 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.
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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Sharan (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.8 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
