2006 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 Pontiac Vibe. (164 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2006 Pontiac Vibe.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Vibe, 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Pontiac Vibe. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac Vibe | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Vibe | 525 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
