2008 BMW 550 vs. 1996 Honda Legend
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1996 Honda Legend. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Legend weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
Because 2008 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Legend, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Legend. (297 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Legend. 1996 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1996 Honda Legend | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 550 | Legend |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
