2008 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 415 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 460 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
