1978 BMW 725 vs. 2005 BMW X5
To start off, 2005 BMW X5 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW X5 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 725.
Because 2005 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 725. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW X5 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, 2005 BMW X5 (520 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 2005 BMW X5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | X5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2830 mm |
