2006 BMW 550 vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 5 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2011 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2006 BMW 550.
Because 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 550. (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
