2009 BMW 550 vs. 2005 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Solara 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 201 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Solara. (161 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 267 kg more than 2005 Toyota Solara. 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, 2005 Toyota Solara, 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 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Solara. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2005 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2005 Toyota Solara 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 | 2005 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 550 | Solara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2359 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
