2008 BMW 330 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,979 cc, 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 37 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2008 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1991 cc |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
