2011 BMW 550 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, both 2011 BMW 550 and 2011 BMW 520 were released in the same year (2011). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 218 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 550 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
