1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | BMW |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | 550 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4899 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2968 mm |
