2006 BMW 523 vs. 2002 BMW 330
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 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 205 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523. 2002 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2002 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2979 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
