2008 BMW 523 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 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 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) has 187 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 382 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 362 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
