2011 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 577 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 550 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
