2003 BMW 525 vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 BMW 525. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 525 weights approximately 189 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2003 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 525 | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.6 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
