2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (187 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (270 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | Viano | 550 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
