2009 BMW 550 vs. 2002 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 430 kg more than 2002 BMW 320. 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 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2002 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
