2005 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Microbus would be higher. At 2,551 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 170 kg more than 2005 BMW 525.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 BMW 525 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 1997 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Microbus |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
