1996 BMW 735 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 735. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 735 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1996 BMW 735. (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 735. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 735 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 735. (321 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 735. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 735 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 735 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 735 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 735 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
