1997 Porsche 911 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 911 (537 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2012 BMW 550. (400 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 900 kg more than 1997 Porsche 911.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Porsche 911. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Porsche 911. (600 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Porsche 911. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1997 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1997 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Porsche 911 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
Make | Porsche | BMW |
Model | 911 | 550 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3164 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | boxer | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 537 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 600 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |