2008 BMW 320 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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320.
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 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 491 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
