2008 BMW 550 vs. 2002 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z4. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 274 kg more than 2002 BMW Z4. 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z4. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z4. 2002 BMW Z4 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. 2002 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2002 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
