2006 BMW M3 vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 550 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2006 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2010 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2888 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
