1973 BMW Touring vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW Touring. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW Touring would be higher. At 2,495 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1973 BMW Touring. (85 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW Touring. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1973 BMW Touring. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW Touring. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW Touring.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW Touring | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Touring | 550 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2890 mm |
