2008 BMW 550 vs. 2004 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2004 BMW Z4. (225 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2004 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 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 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 2004 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2004 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
