2009 BMW 330 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 19 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 12 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
