2008 BMW 550 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 164 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 550 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 550 | 520 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 362 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 491 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1496 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |