2004 Audi A8 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A8 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 145 more horse power than 2004 Audi A8. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A8 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2007 BMW 550.
Because 2007 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 2007 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A8, 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A8 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
