2006 BMW 550 vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,801 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320.
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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4801 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 4.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
