1998 BMW 330 vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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 (400 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
