2005 BMW 330 vs. 2001 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2005 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 80 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
