2008 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 178 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
