2002 BMW 330 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. 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, 2002 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
