1996 BMW 332 vs. 2008 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 332 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2008 BMW 330. 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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 330. 2008 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 332 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
