1997 BMW 850 vs. 2009 BMW 650
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 12 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, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2009 BMW 650.
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 | 2009 BMW 650 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.3 mm |
| 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 | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2790 mm |
