2008 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 526 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen T5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen T5, 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, both vehicles can yield 400 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2009 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 13 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
