1989 BMW 850 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 178 kg more than 1989 BMW 850. 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
