1996 BMW 545 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 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 BMW 330. (260 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 110 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
