2008 BMW 523 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 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) has 27 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 426 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1706 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
