2002 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Acura RL
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura RL weights approximately 60 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.
Because 2002 BMW 330 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura RL. 1997 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1997 Acura RL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | 330 | RL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
