2006 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 6 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 190 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 6. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 241 kg more than 2012 Mazda 6. 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, 2012 Mazda 6, 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 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 550 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
