2008 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata 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 160 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
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, 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 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 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. 2012 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | 550 | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
