1959 Berkeley QB vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 1669 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Berkeley QB. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 551 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1959 Berkeley QB has manual transmission. 1959 Berkeley QB will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Berkeley | BMW |
| Model | QB | 550 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 691 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 70 L |
