1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2008 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 76 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, 2008 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
