2005 BMW 330 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
