2009 BMW 550 vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 62 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, 2009 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
