2004 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 200 kg more than 2012 BMW 550.
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 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Touareg | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Touareg | 550 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2250 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
