1971 Oldsmobile 442 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Oldsmobile 442.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Oldsmobile 442 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
Make | Oldsmobile | BMW |
Model | 442 | 550 |
Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7467 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 260 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 502 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1980 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2968 mm |