2007 BMW 550 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2012 BMW 740. (315 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 310 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 740. (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 740. 2012 BMW 740 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 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
