2009 BMW 550 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 8 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1999 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1781 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
