2008 BMW M3 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2008 BMW M3. 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, 2007 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
