2005 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 336 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen T5.
Because 2005 BMW 520 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 2005 BMW 520. 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 520 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 13 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
