2006 BMW 330 vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. 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, 2006 BMW 330 (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1996 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.2 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
