2006 BMW 523 vs. 1998 BMW 330
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1998 BMW 330.
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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 1998 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2995 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
