2009 BMW 550 vs. 2011 Audi A8
To start off, 2011 Audi A8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 550 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 17 more horse power than 2011 Audi A8. (345 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 Audi A8.
Because 2011 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Audi A8 (800 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 550. (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2011 Audi A8 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 550 | A8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 4134 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
