2009 BMW 330 vs. 1992 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2009 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1992 BMW M3.
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 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW M3. (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1992 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
