2008 BMW 550 vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 523 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 185 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2007 BMW 523. 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 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
