1998 BMW 320 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,797 cc, 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 507 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 2007 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 4797 cc |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 657 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
