2009 BMW 550 vs. 1992 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 520 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 214 more horse power than 1992 BMW 520. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1992 BMW 520. 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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1992 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1990 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
