2009 BMW 550 vs. 1978 ZIL 4104
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 4104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 4104 would be higher. At 7,695 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 ZIL 4104. (311 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 ZIL 4104. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 1674 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
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, 1978 ZIL 4104 (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 550. (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 4104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1978 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | BMW | ZIL |
| Model | 550 | 4104 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 7695 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 3336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3340 mm |
