1988 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 550
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 550 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | M3 | 550 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2303 cc | 4799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 221 HP | 360 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 488 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 93.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1725 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |