2009 BMW 550 vs. 1956 Buick 40
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1956 Buick 40. (252 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1956 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1956 Buick 40. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Buick 40. (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1956 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 550 | 40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4798 cc | 5279 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 462 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3110 mm |
