2006 BMW M3 vs. 2002 BMW 330
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
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 (421 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2002 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 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 M3 | 2002 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
