2008 Audi R8 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi R8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi R8 would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2009 BMW 550. (362 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 485 kg more than 2008 Audi R8.
Because 2008 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi R8 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi R8. (430 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi R8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi R8 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | R8 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 295 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.6 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
