2001 Honda Insight vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Insight would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 2001 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 1124 kg more than 2001 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Honda Insight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 486 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Insight | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Insight | 550 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2969 mm |
