1998 BMW 330 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 14 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 230 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 330. (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 330. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1825 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
