2006 BMW 550 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 550 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 145 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525.
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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4801 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
