2009 BMW 330 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 330 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 72 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2009 BMW 330.
Because 2009 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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 (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
