2007 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2007 BMW 550. (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2007 BMW 550. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 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, 2007 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A8. (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A8. 2012 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 550 | A8 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
