1999 BMW 540 vs. 2002 BMW 330
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 141 kg more than 2002 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 330. (421 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 330. 2002 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2002 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
