2009 BMW 330 vs. 1997 BMW 730
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1997 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 145 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 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 730. (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1997 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
