2008 BMW 550 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 4 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, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2012 BMW 320. 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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 320. (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
