2007 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 304 kg more than 2007 BMW 523.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 Volkswagen Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
