2008 BMW 550 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2008 BMW 550. (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
