2008 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 747 kg more than 2009 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (501 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Touareg | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Touareg | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2312 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
