1998 BMW 330 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 10 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 135 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, both vehicles can yield 400 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1998 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
