2009 Audi R8 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (518 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2008 BMW 550. (360 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 550. (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | R8 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 311 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
