1996 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 330
To start off, 2012 BMW 330 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 330 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520.
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, 2012 BMW 330 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| 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 Length | 4780 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
