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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1798 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 300 kg more than 2007 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 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. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1790 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 | 8.5 L/100km |
