1978 BMW 730 vs. 1974 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1978 BMW 730 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-4 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 70 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-4. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1974 Mazda RX-4. 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 1974 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1974 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 730 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
