2009 BMW M3 vs. 1999 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 330 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1999 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1999 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
