2003 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco is newer by 8 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, 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 262 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Scirocco |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4256 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1404 mm |
