2006 Renault Vel Satis vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2006 Renault Vel Satis. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Renault Vel Satis.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Renault Vel Satis. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Renault Vel Satis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Renault Vel Satis | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | Vel Satis | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
