2008 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 4 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 287 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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 GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
