2008 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. (176 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 130 kg more than 2008 BMW 525.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525. 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
