1996 BMW 332 vs. 2008 BMW 545
To start off, 2008 BMW 545 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 BMW 332. (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 332. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 545 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 BMW 332. 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, 2008 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 332. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 332. 2008 BMW 545 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 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 2008 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 332 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
