2003 BMW 330 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 13 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 142 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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 2003 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 2003 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 330 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
