2006 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 627 kg more than 2006 BMW 525.
Because 2011 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 525. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
