1998 BMW 330 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 7 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 125 kg more than 1998 BMW 330.
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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
