1998 BMW 330 vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1998 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 330. (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
