2009 BMW 330 vs. 1998 Acura RL
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1998 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1998 Acura RL.
Because 2009 BMW 330 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Acura RL. 1998 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1998 Acura RL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | 330 | RL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
