2002 BMW 330 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 115 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 330. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2810 mm |
