2002 BMW 330 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 330 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 19 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2002 BMW 330.
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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.1 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.6 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
