2010 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Volkswagen GTI. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Volkswagen GTI would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2012 BMW 525 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 2012 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Volkswagen GTI | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | GTI | 525 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4211 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
