2006 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 6 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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 525.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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, 2006 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
