2004 BMW 525 vs. 2010 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (193 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2010 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4211 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
