1987 BMW 750 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 750 would be higher. At 4,986 cc (12 cylinders), 1987 BMW 750 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1987 BMW 750. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 750. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1987 BMW 750. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 750. (451 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 750. 1987 BMW 750 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 BMW 750 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 750 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 750 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4986 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 70 L |
