2008 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 550 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 436 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen T5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 550 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 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2008 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen T5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 12.2 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 | 1660 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
