2006 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 758 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
Because 2009 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2009 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
