1978 BMW 730 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1978 BMW 730 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2640 mm |
