2011 BMW 550 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 2 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 173 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (227 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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 338 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 550 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
