2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 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 14 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (161 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 1340 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | Viano |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 11.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
