2009 BMW 550 vs. 1970 Saab Sonett III
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab Sonett III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab Sonett III would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 860 kg more than 1970 Saab Sonett III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab Sonett III, 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab Sonett III. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1970 Saab Sonett III has manual transmission. 1970 Saab Sonett III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1970 Saab Sonett III | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 550 | Sonett III |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1498 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 58.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2160 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
