2010 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2010 BMW 550.
Because 2010 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 2010 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, 2010 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen T5. 2010 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 BMW 550 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4999 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3066 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
