2011 BMW 535 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 535 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2011 BMW 535. (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2012 BMW 550.
Both vehicles are all wheel drive (AWD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 535. (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 535 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4999 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3071 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
