2008 BMW 330 vs. 1996 BMW 725
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 207 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1996 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 725 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |
