2003 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2008 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
