2009 BMW 550 vs. 1996 BMW 725
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 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 221 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 123 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 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 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 | 1996 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 725 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2498 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2940 mm |
