1998 BMW 330 vs. 2003 BMW 545
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 5 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 75 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, 2003 BMW 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 330. (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 330. 2003 BMW 545 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. 2003 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2003 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
