2006 Mercedes-Benz ML vs. 2003 BMW 330
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 330 would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML (288 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 405 kg more than 2003 BMW 330. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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 Mercedes-Benz ML (440 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 330. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML | 2003 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | ML | 330 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4965 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2210 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 63 L |
