1996 BMW 525 vs. 1998 BMW 330
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 52 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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, 1998 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 1998 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1998 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
