Difference between the 545i and 550i??
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I don't think the difference in power is a reason to buy one or the other. Unless you drive like nut case both cars are more than fast enough. I would choose based on what car fit my needs and was the best value. I would much prefer my 545i with sport package, Nav, comfort seat etc vs. a non sport 550i. If had to choose between a 545 and 550 equipped the same it would come down to the best deal for me.
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Originally Posted by mhs525' post='844262' date='Apr 11 2009, 07:16 PM
I don't think the difference in power is a reason to buy one or the other. Unless you drive like nut case both cars are more than fast enough. I would choose based on what car fit my needs and was the best value. I would much prefer my 545i with sport package, Nav, comfort seat etc vs. a non sport 550i. If had to choose between a 545 and 550 equipped the same it would come down to the best deal for me.
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Originally Posted by uheenada' post='844179' date='Apr 11 2009, 05:07 PM
Ok but I'm not sure how SAT can help 'electronically' when gear ratios remains the same regardless of SAT vs Non.
SAT would give your faster responses to gear changes and throttle response but that doesn't mean car is quicker...
Oh BTW, I just re-read the article again, http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans...test/index.html
it stated they ran manual transmission. And the one with 545i was auto.
I know that BMW geared MT 'taller' and AT 'shorter' but still...
SAT would give your faster responses to gear changes and throttle response but that doesn't mean car is quicker...
Oh BTW, I just re-read the article again, http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans...test/index.html
it stated they ran manual transmission. And the one with 545i was auto.
I know that BMW geared MT 'taller' and AT 'shorter' but still...
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Originally Posted by sdg1871' post='844290' date='Apr 11 2009, 08:00 PM
I've got the Steptronic is, in "DS" mode, the transmission is very responsive.
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Originally Posted by Steveadp' post='844105' date='Apr 11 2009, 03:27 PM
Guys, anyone here driven or owned both? I was wondering if the extra 35Hp can really be felt? Your comments are welcome.
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Based with the calculation of HP/Weight : http://www.web-cars.com/math/qtr_mile.html
Both Auto and bone stock:
545i = 3594 lb / 325hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car A which weighs 3594 pounds and has 325 horsepower is 12.977 seconds.
550i = 3968 lb / 360hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car B which weighs 3968 pounds and has 360 horsepower is 12.963 seconds.
only 0.014 seconds of difference: Well Same!!
Both Auto and bone stock:
545i = 3594 lb / 325hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car A which weighs 3594 pounds and has 325 horsepower is 12.977 seconds.
550i = 3968 lb / 360hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car B which weighs 3968 pounds and has 360 horsepower is 12.963 seconds.
only 0.014 seconds of difference: Well Same!!
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Originally Posted by miguex' post='844718' date='Apr 12 2009, 11:20 AM
Based with the calculation of HP/Weight : http://www.web-cars.com/math/qtr_mile.html
Both Auto and bone stock:
545i = 3594 lb / 325hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car A which weighs 3594 pounds and has 325 horsepower is 12.977 seconds.
550i = 3968 lb / 360hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car B which weighs 3968 pounds and has 360 horsepower is 12.963 seconds.
only 0.014 seconds of difference: Well Same!!
Both Auto and bone stock:
545i = 3594 lb / 325hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car A which weighs 3594 pounds and has 325 horsepower is 12.977 seconds.
550i = 3968 lb / 360hp > The quarter mile acceleration time of car B which weighs 3968 pounds and has 360 horsepower is 12.963 seconds.
only 0.014 seconds of difference: Well Same!!
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Is anyone's Butt dyno really that sensitive to tell the difference? I honestly doubt it....
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Originally Posted by craigm1841' post='844724' date='Apr 12 2009, 09:24 AM
cant use that logic, however, that is a nifty calculator you found!
It is just math:
There are two simple horsepower formulas that can estimate the on-the-pavement horsepower for a given car.
The ET method
This method uses the weight of the car and the time it took that car to travel 1330 feet (? mile).
The formula is: hp = weight / (ET / 5.825)^3
The Trap-speed method
This method uses the weight of the car and the speed at which the car completed the quarter-mile run.
The formula is: hp = weight * (speed / 234)3