2007 BMW 550 vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2007 BMW 550.
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, 2007 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
