2005 Acura RL vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Acura RL 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 60 more horse power than 2005 Acura RL. (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura RL weights approximately 100 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL, 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Acura RL. (353 Nm). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura RL | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 550 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
