2008 BMW 318 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 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
