2009 BMW 550 vs. 2002 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Maxima 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 222 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2002 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Maxima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 308 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Maxima. 2002 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2002 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 550 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
