2006 BMW 330 vs. 1996 BMW M3
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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2006 BMW 330. (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 82 kg more than 2006 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 330. (290 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.7 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
