2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 41 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 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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 Volkswagen Tiguan (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
