1959 Berkeley B vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP) has 313 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 1304 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, 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 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Berkeley | BMW |
| Model | B | 550 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 362 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 491 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 70 L |
