1998 BMW 330 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 11 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 47 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2009 BMW 118 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. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
