2008 BMW 523 vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 2 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 550 weights approximately 740 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, 2010 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2010 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3066 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
