2003 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2007 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 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:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
