2009 BMW 523 vs. 2008 Volkswagen T5
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 T5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen T5 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 770 kg more than 2009 BMW 523.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 2009 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Volkswagen T5 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen T5 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 T5 has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen T5 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:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 2008 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 18.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
