2007 BMW 330 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2007 BMW 330. (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2007 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 330. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 330 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
