2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 495 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
