1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3.3. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.3. 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 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3.3. (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.3.
Compare all specifications:
1973 BMW 3.3 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 3.3 | 550 |
Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3295 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 289 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1980 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |