1978 BMW 730 vs. 1954 Buick 40
To start off, 1978 BMW 730 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1954 Buick 40. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1954 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1978 BMW 730.
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, 1954 Buick 40 (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1954 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 730 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 4328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1675 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3110 mm |
