2004 BMW 325 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 324 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen T5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 325 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 2004 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5, 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 T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 325 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 325 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
