2006 BMW 550 vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul 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 222 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 539 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul, 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 550 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
