2008 BMW 550 vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. (161 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 55 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. 2008 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2004 Renault Vel Satis has manual transmission. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 550 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1781 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
