1996 BMW 535 vs. 2005 BMW 330
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 BMW 535.
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, 2005 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 535. (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2005 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
