1998 BMW 330 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
