2008 BMW 550 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2008 BMW 550. (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 334 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 550. (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 6208 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
