2008 BMW 130 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 130 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2008 BMW 130. (268 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 130. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2008 BMW 130. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 130. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 130. 2008 BMW 130 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 130 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 130 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
