2005 BMW 330 vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2005 BMW 330. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2005 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 330. (300 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
