2004 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 8 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, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2004 BMW 525.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 525. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.3 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
