1997 BMW 850 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2007 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, both vehicles can yield 490 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 4797 cc |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 657 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
