1976 BMW 630 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 630. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 630 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 630 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1976 BMW 630. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1976 BMW 630. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 202 kg more than 1976 BMW 630. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 BMW 630. (251 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 BMW 630.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 630 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 630 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
