1996 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 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 194 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 525 | 550 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2495 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 362 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 490 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 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 | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1660 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1490 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |