2008 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 829 kg more than 2008 BMW 525.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 2304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
