2011 BMW 550 vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 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 257 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 585 kg more than 2012 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 309 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 118. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 550 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
